PATENT DOCUMENT

Abstract:
This information processing device is provided with: data management means in which table-formatted data, with rows in which one group of tuple data units comprising a plurality of attribute data units are positioned and columns in which attributes are positioned, is stored so that the tuple data is collectively stored in a storage device by attribute data; and data processing means which executes predetermined processing with respect to a database. The data management means stores each attribute data unit that configures a tuple data unit in the order in which the tuple data units are positioned in the table format, in a plurality of chunks having storage areas of a predetermined capacity set for each of the attribute data units. Furthermore, the data management means acquires, for each attribute, deletion data information representing information specifying the table format order of the tuple data units that have attribute data units that have been deleted by the data processing means from the chunks that have been set for each attribute, and frees the chunks on the basis of the deletion data information.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and, more particularly, to an information processing apparatus which manages data on a column unit basis. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    In recent years, a technique of analyzing a large amount of data which changes with time such as position information in a real-time manner as much as possible is in demand. Consequently, a database is requested to have a high-speed query execution performance and, in addition, a high-speed data insertion, deletion, and updating performance. 
         [0003]    For example, a technique regarding a database described below is known as a database having high IO (Input/Output) efficiency and capable of executing a query at high speed, in a database requested to have a high reading performance such as data analysis. That is, a technique of a column-store database which stores data divided by columns is known (refer to, for example, patent literature 1), as such a technique. 
       CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
       [0004]    [PTL 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-123680 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
       [0005]    To operate a system for long time, it is requested to release of a storage region which becomes unnecessary due to deletion of data, and to handle addition and deletion of a large amount of data. An example of a method of managing data in a column-store database will be described below. 
         [0006]    First, referring to  FIG. 1 , data  1001  in a tabular form will be described. The data  1001  of  FIG. 1  has two columns “a” and “b”. The data  1001  of  FIG. 1  has 500 pieces of tuple data. To the data  1001  of  FIG. 1 , tuple identification data (TID) for uniquely specifying a tuple (row) is set for each tuple. TID is a natural number assigned sequentially from zero in order of physical arrangement of tuples. 
         [0007]    Hereinafter, a management method using a paging method of allocating a new storage region (page) in the case where a new storage region becomes necessary for data storage and, deleting (releasing) the page when all of data in a page becomes unnecessary, will be described. In the case of storing tuple data by using the paging method, a column-store database obtains a plurality of storage regions (hereinbelow, described as chunks) having a predetermined size and manages them by columns (for example, the columns “a” and “b”). With reference to  FIG. 2 , an example of decomposing a tuple into columns and storing (saving) data will be described. 
         [0008]    For example, the case, where the size of one piece of data in the column “a” is four bytes and size of chunk is, for example, set to fixed length of 400 bytes, will be described. In this case, as the entire storage capacity of data of the column “a”, 2000 bytes (=4 bytes×500 pieces) are necessary. Therefore, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the column-store database obtains five chunks Ca 0  to Ca 4  and manages them in the column “a”. Specifically, data of TID 0 to 99 (in the column “a”) is stored in the chunk Ca 0 . Data of TID 100 to 199 is stored in the chunk Ca 1 . Similarly, data of TID 200 to 299 is stored in the chunk Ca 2 . Data of TID 300 to 399 is stored in the chunk Ca 3 . Data of TID 400 to 499 is stored in the chunk Ca 4 . 
         [0009]    For example, in the case where the size of one piece of data in the column “b” is two bytes, 1,000 bytes (=2 bytes×500 pieces) are necessary as an entire storage capacity of data of the column “b”. Therefore, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the column-store database obtains three chunks Cb 0  to Cb 2  and manages them. Specifically, data of TID 0 to 199 (in the column “b”) is stored in the chunk Cb 0 . Data of TID 200 to 399 is stored in the chunk Cb 1 . Similarly, data of TID 400 to 499 is stored in the chunk Cb 2 . 
         [0010]    When all of the data included in a chunk is deleted in the case where the data is stored by columns as described above, the chunk may be released. When the chunk is released, the column-store database reuses the TID by moving up the TID of the chunks storing the data after the released chunk, by the number of data included in the released chunk. 
         [0011]    However, in the case where the column-store database is constructed by a plurality of columns like the columns “a” and “b” as described above, when the number of pieces of data which can be stored in one chunk is different for the columns, a mismatch may occur in the TID for the columns. For example, when the data of the TID 100 to 199 is deleted, all of the data included in the second chunk Ca 1  in the column “a” is deleted as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , so that, the chunk Ca 1  is released. Then the column-store database moves up the TID included in the chunks Ca 2  to Ca 4  that stores the data after the chunk Ca 1  which is released. 
         [0012]    On the other hand, in the case of deleting the data of the TID 100 to 199, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , only a part of the data included in the first chunk Cb 0  in the column “b” is deleted, therefore the chunk Cb 0  cannot be released, and the TID is not moved up. As a result, There is a problem that a mismatch occurs between the TID (tuple information) in the column “a” and the TID in the column “b”. 
         [0013]    An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of solving the problem that a mismatch in the tuple information occurs when a chunk is released. 
       Solution to Problem 
       [0014]    To achieve the object, an information processing apparatus as a mode of the present invention includes: 
         [0015]    data managing means for storing data in a tabular form in which a group of tuple data including a plurality of pieces of attribute data is positioned in a row direction and the attributes are positioned in a column direction, into a storage apparatus, by putting together the tuple data for the each attribute data; and 
         [0016]    data processing means for executing a predetermined process on the database, 
         [0017]    wherein the data managing means stores attribute data constituting the tuple data, into a plurality of chunks each having a storage region of a predetermined capacity which is set for each of the attribute data in order that the tuple data is positioned in the tabular form, obtains, for the each attribute, deletion data information expressing information specifying the order in the tabular form of the tuple data including the attribute data deleted from the chunk which is set for the each attribute, by the data processing means, and releases the chunk on the basis of the deletion data information. 
         [0018]    A program as another mode of the present invention is a program for making an information processing apparatus realize: data managing means for storing data in a tabular form in which a group of tuple data including a plurality of pieces of attribute data is positioned in a row direction and the attributes are positioned in a column direction, into a storage apparatus, by putting together the tuple data for the each attribute data; and 
         [0019]    data processing means for executing a predetermined process on the database, 
         [0020]    wherein the data managing means stores attribute data constituting the tuple data, into a plurality of chunks each having a storage region of a predetermined capacity which set for each of the attribute data in order that the tuple data is positioned in the tabular form, obtains, for the each attribute, deletion data information expressing information specifying the order in the tabular form of the tuple data including the attribute data deleted from the chunk which is set for the each attribute by the data processing means, and releases the chunk on the basis of the deletion data information. 
         [0021]    An information processing method as another mode of the present invention includes the steps of, in an information processing apparatus, 
         [0022]    when storing data in a tabular form in which a group of tuple data including a plurality of pieces of attribute data is positioned in a row direction and the attributes are positioned in a column direction, into a storage apparatus, by putting together the tuple data for the each attribute data, storing attribute data constituting the tuple data into a plurality of chunks each having a storage region of a predetermined capacity which is set for each of the attribute data in order that the tuple data is positioned in the tabular form, 
         [0023]    obtaining, for the each attribute, deletion data information expressing information specifying the order in the tabular form of the tuple data including the attribute data deleted from the chunk which is set for the each attribute, and releasing the chunk on the basis of the deletion data information. 
       Advantageous Effects of Invention 
       [0024]    With the above configuration, the present invention has an excellent effect that when a chunk is released, consistency of data by columns may be maintained. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a diagram for explaining an example of a database. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a diagram for explaining an example of storing data by columns. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a diagram for explaining an example of releasing stored data. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating outline of the configuration of an information processing apparatus in the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of an processing unit in the information processing apparatus in the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a diagram for explaining an example of a database. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is a diagram for explaining an example of a storage unit. 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a diagram for explaining an example of a storage unit. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is a diagram for explaining an example of a storage unit. 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  is a diagram for explaining an example of an offset management table. 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  is a diagram for explaining an example of a storage unit. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  is a diagram for explaining an example of a storage unit. 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is a diagram for explaining outline of data stored in the offset management table. 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  is a diagram for explaining outline of data stored in the offset management table. 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  is a flowchart for explaining a data deleting process. 
           [0040]      FIG. 16  is a flowchart for explaining a data retrieving process. 
           [0041]      FIG. 17  is a flowchart for explaining a data obtaining process. 
           [0042]      FIG. 18  is a block diagram illustrating outline of the configuration of an information processing apparatus in the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 19  is a diagram illustrating an example of updating of a category management table. 
           [0044]      FIG. 20  is a diagram for explaining an example of a storage unit. 
           [0045]      FIG. 21  is a diagram for explaining an example of a storage unit. 
           [0046]      FIG. 22  is a diagram for explaining an example of an offset management table. 
           [0047]      FIG. 23  is a diagram for explaining an example of an offset management table. 
           [0048]      FIG. 24  is a diagram for explaining an example of a storage unit. 
           [0049]      FIG. 25  is a block diagram illustrating outline of the configuration of an information processing apparatus in the present invention. 
           [0050]      FIG. 26  is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of an processing unit in the information processing apparatus in the present invention. 
           [0051]      FIG. 27  is a diagram for explaining an example of a storage unit. 
           [0052]      FIG. 28  is a diagram for explaining an example of a storage unit. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     First Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0053]    A first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 4 to 17 .  FIGS. 4 to 14  are diagrams for explaining the configuration of an information processing apparatus.  FIGS. 15 to 17  are diagrams for explaining the operation of the information processing apparatus. 
         [0054]    (Configuration) 
         [0055]    First, with reference to  FIG. 4 , an information processing apparatus  1  storing and processing data in a tabular form on a column unit basis will be described.  FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus  1  in the exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the information processing apparatus  1  has an processing unit  11  and a storage unit  12 . 
         [0056]    The storage unit  12  has, for example, a hard disk drive, a nonvolatile memory, a volatile memory, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like. The storage unit  12  stores column data  21 , a chunk list  22 , and an offset management table  23 . The column data  21  is data obtained by putting together tuple data, in a database, on the column unit basis. The details of the column data  21 , the chunk list  22 , and the offset management table  23  will be described later. 
         [0057]    The processing unit  11  is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example. The processing unit  11  reads a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) included in the storage unit  12  and executes the program using a RAM (Random Access Memory) include in the storage unit  12  as a work area. In such a manner, the processing unit  11  executes various functions for controlling the information processing apparatus  1 .  FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the processing unit  11 . The processing unit  11  in  FIG. 5  includes the following functional blocks by executing a program. In other words, the processing unit  11  includes functional blocks of a query processing unit  41  (data processing means), a column data managing unit  42  (data managing means), a chunk deletion determining unit  43  (data managing means), and an offset adjusting unit  44  (data managing means). 
         [0058]    The query processing unit  41  executes a predetermined process on data in a tabular form (for example, a database) in accordance with a processing request (query) from the user. The query is, for example, in the SQL (Structured Query Language) or the like. The column data managing unit  42  arranges attribute data of tuple data constructing the data in the tabular form by each column (attribute) and stores it as the column data  21  in the storage unit  12 . The column data managing unit  42  extracts predetermined attribute data in accordance with a process of the query processing unit  41  and outputs it. 
         [0059]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , the data in the tabular form will be described. Data  61  of  FIG. 6  has two columns A and B. The data  61  in  FIG. 6  has 500 pieces of tuple data. In the data  61  of  FIG. 6 , tuple identification data (TID) is set for uniquely specifying a tuple (row) in the data  61 . TID is a natural number assigned sequentially from zero in the order of physical arrangement of the tuple data. In the data  61  of  FIG. 6 , TID is assigned from 0 to 499. 
         [0060]    The column data managing unit  42  stores, for example, the data  61  in the tabular form illustrated in  FIG. 6 , in which a group of tuple data consisting of attribute data of a plurality of columns (attributes) is positioned in the row direction, and the columns are positioned in the column direction as follows. That is, the column data managing unit  42  stores the data  61  in the tabular form, so that the each attribute data of the tuple data is put together for each column (attribute), in the column data  21  in the storage unit  12 .  FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating an example of the storage unit  12 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the column data managing unit  42  stores the attribute data constituting the tuple data in a plurality of chunks each having a storage region of predetermined capacity which are set for the each attribute data (for example, attribute data in the column A and the attribute data in the column B). The column data managing unit  42  stores the attribute data constituting the tuple data in the chunks in the column data  21 , in order that the tuple data is positioned in the tabular form. 
         [0061]    For example, it is assumed that the chunk size is a fixed length of 400 bytes and the size of one piece of attribute data in the column A is four bytes. In this case, the entire storage capacity (space) of the attribute data in the column A is 2,000 (4 bytes×500 pieces) bytes. One hundred pieces of attribute data can be stored in one chuck. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the column data managing unit  42  obtains five chunks CA 0  to CA 4  and sequentially stores the attribute data in the column A of the data  61 . The TID in the column data  21  in  FIG. 7  is illustrated for explanation, and is not stored in the actual column data  21 . 
         [0062]    The column data managing unit  42  stores, in the chunk list  22 , pointer information such as an address or identification information by which each of the plurality of chunks stored in the column data  21  can be specified. For example, the column data managing unit  42  stores the head address of each of the chunks CA 0  to CA 4  into the chunk list  22 . In the following, the case where the identification information of the chunks is stored in the chunk list  22  will be described. Specifically, the column data managing unit  42  stores the chunk identification information CA 0  to CA 4  in a chunk list  22 A of the column A. 
         [0063]    On the other hand, it is assumed that the size of one piece of attribute data in the column B is two bytes, for example. In this case, the entire storage capacity of the attribute data in the column B is 1,000 (2 bytes×500 pieces) bytes. Two hundred pieces of attribute data can be stored in one chuck. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the column data managing unit  42  obtains three chunks CB 0  to CB 2  and sequentially stores the attribute data in the column B of the data  61 . The column data managing unit  42  stores the chunk identification information CB 0  to CB 2  in a chunk list  22 B of the column B. 
         [0064]    In the case where the query processing unit  41  executes predetermined processes (a data deleting process, a data retrieving (searching) process, and a data obtaining process which will be described later) on the data  61 , the column data managing unit  42  reads the attribute data stored by columns. Accordingly, the column data managing unit  42  can extract the attribute data of a predetermined column requested by the query processing unit  41  more promptly. 
         [0065]    Next, the data deleting process, the data retrieving process, and the data obtaining process executed on the data  61  by the query processing unit  41  will be described. Referring to  FIG. 8 , the data deleting process will be described first. In the following, the case where the query processing unit  41  receives a request of deleting 100 pieces of tuple data of TID 200 to 299 from the user via an input apparatus (not illustrated) will be described. In this case, the query processing unit  41  deletes the tuple data of TID 200 to 299 in the data  61 . More specifically, the query processing unit  41  deletes the attribute data of TID 200 to 299 stored in the column data  21 A and  21 B from the chunks. For example, the query processing unit  41  deletes the attribute data stored in the chunk CA 2  and also deletes the attribute data stored in the chunk CB 1 . 
         [0066]    The chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines whether a chunk can be deleted by the data deleting process of the query processing unit  41  or not. More specifically, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  obtains, for the each column, deletion data information that expresses information (TID) specifying the order of the attribute data, deleted from the chunks, in the tabular form of the tuple data. The attribute data deleted from the chunks set for the each column, by the query processing unit  41  are included in the tabular from of the tuple data. For example, in the case where the attribute data of TID 200 to 299 is deleted by the query processing unit  41  in the column A, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  obtains the TID 200 to 299 as deletion data information. In this case, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines that all of the attribute data stored in the chunk CA 2  is deleted on the basis of the obtained deletion data information. Therefore, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines that the chunk CA 2  can be deleted and releases the chunk CA 2  in the column data  21 . 
         [0067]    The chunk deletion determining unit  43  deletes the chunk identification information “CA 2 ” stored in the chunk list  22 A of the column A and updates the chunk list  22 A (stores the deletion data information). When the chunk CA 2  is released by the chunk deletion determining unit  43 , the column data managing unit  42  stores start TID (start data information) “200” (deletion data information) as TID of the first attribute data stored in the chunk CA 2  into an offset management table  23 A. The column data managing unit  42  also stores an offset value (the number of pieces of attribute data) “100” (deletion data information) as the number of pieces of attribute data stored in the chunk CA 2  into the offset management table  23 A. 
         [0068]    On the other hand, in the case where the attribute data of TID 200 to 299 is deleted by the query processing unit  41  in the column B, a part of the attribute data stored in the chunk CB 1  is deleted. However, attribute data of TID 300 to 399 is still stored in the chunk CB 1 . Therefore, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines that the chunk CB 1  cannot be deleted and does not release the chunk CB 1 . 
         [0069]    Next, the process in the case, where the query processing unit  41  performs the data retrieving process after performing the data deleting process of the attribute data of TID 200 to 299, will be described. In this example, a process in the case of retrieving TID (tuple) whose attribute data in the column A is “XX-40” and whose attribute data in the column B is “2000”, from the data  61  of  FIG. 6 , will be described. 
         [0070]    The query processing unit  41  refers to the chunk list  22 A of the column A of  FIG. 8  and extracts chunks in order of CA 0 , CA 1 , CA 3 , and CA 4 . Then the query processing unit  41  performs a matching process. More specifically, the query processing unit  41  performs a process of determining whether attribute data in the extracted chunks matches “XX-40” or not. For example, the query processing unit  41  determines whether the attribute data having TID “0” in the extracted chunk CA 0  matches “XX-40” or not. Subsequently, the query processing unit  41  increments the value of TID by one each time the attribute data in the chunk is extracted and determines whether the attribute data corresponding to the TID incremented by one matches “XX-40” or not. 
         [0071]    When the value of the TID and the value of the start TID stored in the offset management table  23 A are to match by incrementing the value of the TID by one, the query processing unit  41  adds an offset value to the value of the TID. For example, when the value of the TID is incremented by one and the value of the TID becomes “200”, the query processing unit  41  determines the value matches the start TID “200” stored in the offset management table  23 A. In this case, the query processing unit  41  adds an offset value “100” to the TID value “200” and obtains a new TID value “300”. Then, the query processing unit  41  determines whether the attribute data of TID “300” matches “XX-40” or not. After that, the query processing unit  41  repeats the above-described data retrieving process. As a result, the query processing unit  41  can retrieve, for example, TID “350” in which the attribute data “XX-40” is stored. 
         [0072]    In such a manner, the query processing unit  41  executes the data retrieving process on the chunk CA 3  in which attribute data is stored after the chunk CA 2  without referring to the attribute data in the deleted chunk CA 2 . The query processing unit  41  can execute the data retrieving process of attribute data of TID 0 to 499 stored in the column data  21 A virtually, regardless of the fact that the chunk CA 2  is deleted. 
         [0073]    The query processing unit  41  refers to the chunk list  22 B of the column B and extracts chunks in order of CB 0 , CB 1 , and CB 2 . The query processing unit  41  determines whether attribute data in the extracted chunks matches “2000” or not. For example, the query processing unit  41  determines whether the attribute data having TID “0” in the extracted chunk CB 0  matches “2000” or not. Subsequently, the query processing unit  41  increments the value of TID by one each time the attribute data in the chunk is extracted and determines whether the attribute data corresponding to the TID incremented by one matches “2000” or not. 
         [0074]    Since the start TID and an offset value are not stored in an offset management table  23 B of the column B, the query processing unit  41  executes the data retrieving process in order on attribute data of TID 0 to 499. 
         [0075]    In such a manner, even in the case where one chunk in the column A is released, without causing a mismatch between the TID in the column A and the TID in the column B, the query processing unit  41  can reliably execute the data retrieving process. 
         [0076]    Next, processes in the case where the query processing unit  41  performs a data obtaining process after performing the data deleting process of the attribute data of TID 200 to 299 will be described below. In this example, processes for the case of obtaining attribute data corresponding to TID “350” as an acquisition target from the data  61  in  FIG. 6 , will be described. 
         [0077]    The query processing unit  41  refers to the chunk list  22 A in the column A and extracts chunks in order of CA 0 , CA 1 , CA 3 , and CA 4 . The query processing unit  41  adds the number of pieces of attribute data in the extracted chunks to TID (initial value: zero). Subsequently, the query processing unit  41  determines whether the added TID value exceeds “350” or not. For example, the query processing unit  41  determines whether the number of pieces of attribute data  100  (=TID) in the extracted chunk CA 0  exceeds “350” or not. When the query processing unit  41  determines that the TID=100 does not exceed “350”, the query processing unit  41  extracts the chunk CA 1  and adds the number of pieces of attribute data, that is 100, in the chunk CA 1  to TID (=100). That is, the query processing unit  41  calculates as TID=200. 
         [0078]    At this time, the query processing unit  41  determines that the value of TID (=200) and the value of the start TID stored in the offset management table  23 A are to match, so that the offset value “100” is added to the value of TID. That is, the query processing unit  41  calculates as TID=300. In the same way, the query processing unit  41  determines that the TID=300 does not exceed “350”. Then, the query processing unit  41  extracts the next chunk CA 3 , and adds the number of pieces of attribute data  100  in the chunk CA 3  to TID (=300). That is, the query processing unit  41  calculates as TID=400. At this time, the query processing unit  41  determines that TID=400 exceeds “350”. It is consequently clarified that the attribute data corresponding to TID “350” is stored in the chunk CA 3 , before the number of pieces of attribute data in the chunk CA 3  is added. Therefore, the query processing unit  41  obtains attribute data corresponding to TID “350” from the chunk CA 3 . For example, the attribute data “XX-40” corresponding to TID “350” can be obtained. As described above, although the chunk CA 2  is deleted, the query processing unit  41  can execute a data obtaining process of obtaining attribute data corresponding to TID “350”. 
         [0079]    The query processing unit  41  refers to the chunk list  22 B in the column B and extracts the chunks in order of CB 0 , CB 1 , and CB 2 . The query processing unit  41  adds the number of pieces of attribute data in the extracted chunks to TID (initial value: zero). The query processing unit  41  determines whether the value of TID after the addition exceeds “350” or not. In the column B, when the query processing unit  41  extracts the chunk CB 1 , TID becomes 400 and the query processing unit  41  determines that TID=400 exceeds “350”. Therefore, the query processing unit  41  obtains attribute data corresponding to TID “350” from the chunk CB 1 . For example, the attribute data “2000” corresponding to TID “350” can be obtained. 
         [0080]    As described above, also in the case where one chunk in the column A is released, without causing a mismatch between the TID in the column A and the TID in the column B, the query processing unit  41  can reliably execute the data obtaining process. 
         [0081]    Next, with reference to  FIG. 9 , a case will be described in which after performing a data deleting process on attribute data of TID 200 to 299, the query processing unit  41  further receives a request of deleting 100 pieces of tuple data corresponding to TID 0 to 99 and 100 pieces of tuple data corresponding to TID 300 to 399 from the user via an input apparatus (not illustrated). In this case, the query processing unit  41  deletes the tuple data of TID 0 to 99 and the tuple data of TID 300 to 399. More specifically, the query processing unit  41  deletes each of the attribute data of TID 0 to 99 and each of the attribute data of TID 300 to 399, stored in the each column of the column data  21 . 
         [0082]    The chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines whether or not a chunk can be deleted by the data deleting process of the query processing unit  41 . In the case where the attribute data of TID 0 to 99 is deleted by the query processing unit  41  in the column A, all of the attribute data stored in the chunk CA 0  is deleted. Therefore, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines that the chunk CA 0  can be deleted and releases the chunk CA 0  in the column data  21 . Similarly, in the case where the attribute data of TID 300 to 399 is deleted by the query processing unit  41  in the column A, all of the attribute data stored in the chunk CA 3  is deleted. Therefore, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines that the chunk CA 3  can be deleted and releases the chunk CA 3  in the column data  21 . 
         [0083]    Further, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  deletes chunk identification information “CA 0 ” and CA 3 ” stored in the chunk list  22 A of the column A. When the chunks CA 0  and CA 3  are released by the chunk deletion determining unit  43 , the column data managing unit  42  stores the start TID “0” of the chunk CA 0  and the start TID “300” of the chunk CA 3  into the offset management table  23 A. The data managing unit  42  also stores the offset value “100” as the number of pieces of attribute data stored in the chunks CA 0  and CA 3  into the offset management table  23 A. Note that the information of the start TID “200” and the offset value “100” indicates deletion of the attribute data of TID 200 to 299. Consequently, in the case where the attribute data of TID 300 to 399 is deleted by the query processing unit  41 , the attribute data of TID 200 to 399 is deleted. Therefore, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the column data managing unit  42  can store the start TID “200” and the offset value “200” into the offset management table  23 A. 
         [0084]    On the other hand, in the case where the attribute data of TID 0 to 99 is deleted by the query processing unit  41  in the column B, a part of the attribute data stored in the chunk CB 0  is deleted, but the attribute data is still stored in the chunk CB 0 . Therefore, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines that the chunk CB 0  cannot be deleted, and does not release the chunk CB 0 . In the case where the attribute data of TID 300 to 399 is deleted by the query processing unit  41  in the column B, all of the attribute data stored in the chunk CB 1  is deleted. Therefore, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines that the chunk CB 1  can be deleted and releases the chunk CB 1  in the column data  21 . The chunk deletion determining unit  43  deletes the chunk identification information “CB 1 ” stored in the chunk list  22 B in the column B. Subsequently, when the chunk CB 1  is released by the chunk deletion determining unit  43 , the column data managing unit  42  stores the start TID “200” of the chunk CB 1  into the offset management table  23 B. The column data managing unit  42  also stores the offset value “200” as the number of pieces of attribute data stored in the chunk CB 1  into the offset management table  23 B. 
         [0085]    When the data deleting process is executed as described above, there is a case where the information stored in the offset management table  23 A and the information stored in the offset management table  23 B in  FIG. 9  match. Hereinafter a process of optimizing (adjusting) the offset management table  23  will be described. The offset adjusting unit  44  may execute the process of optimizing the offset management table  23  at arbitrary timing. For example, the offset adjusting unit  44  optimizes the offset management table  23 , in the case where after preset time elapses, or in the case where preset number of pieces of attribute data stored in the chunks of the column data  21  is deleted. The offset adjusting unit  44  refers to the offset management table  23 A in  FIG. 9  (or  FIG. 10 ) and the offset management table  23 B in  FIG. 9  and determines whether there is a common TID range (deletion data information) or not. 
         [0086]    In the examples of  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the start TID “200” and the offset value “200” match (are common) in the columns A and B. Consequently, when the offset adjusting unit  44  deletes the common information of the start TID “200” and the offset value “200”, a mismatch of TID does not occur when a predetermined process is executed by the query processing unit  41 . Therefore, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the offset adjusting unit  44  deletes the start TID “200” and the offset value “200” stored in the offset management tables  23 A and  23 B. In such a manner, the offset adjusting unit  44  can delete redundant information and reduce the storage capacity (size) of the offset management table  23 . 
         [0087]    The column data managing unit  42  refers to the the offset management table  23 , and when there is a common TID range in the table, the column data managing unit  42  deletes the TID range. By that, the column data managing unit  42  can advance the value of TID (the value is the order in the tabular form of the attribute data), in a chunk storing attribute data after the released chunk, corresponding to the common TID range (deletion data information). More specifically, when the common TID range is TID 200 to 399 ( FIG. 9 ), the offset adjusting unit  44  deletes the attribute data in the common TID range from the offset management table  23  ( FIG. 11 ). The offset adjusting unit  44  adjusts (advances) the range (value) of the TID of the attribute data stored in the offset management table  23  subsequent to the deleted attribute data. When the query processing unit  41  reads the attribute data by columns (for example, in the data retrieving process or the data obtaining process), the column data managing unit  42  advances the values of TID 400 to 499 (the value is the order in the tabular form of the attribute data), by 200 (the number of pieces of attribute data). The attribute data of TID 400 to 499 are in the chunk (for example, chunk CA 4 ) storing the attribute data after the released chunk (for example, the chunks CA 2  and CA 3 ), corresponding to the common TID. And then, the column data managing unit  42  obtains attribute data of TID 200 to 299 (refer to, for example,  FIG. 12 ). The column data managing unit  42  outputs the obtained attribute data to the query processing unit  41 . In such a manner, the value of TID can be maintained as a small value, and digit overflow of the value of TID can be prevented. Therefore, long term operation of the database can be realized. 
         [0088]    Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , outline of an offset adjusting process on a database including three columns (columns A, B, and C) will be described.  FIG. 13  is an visualized diagram illustrating deletion data information stored in the offset management table  23 . It is assumed that, in the example of  FIG. 13 , some of given tuple data is deleted from a database including (N+1) pieces of tuple data of TID 0 to N (N is a natural number), and release of a chunk for the each column is performed a few times. In the example of  FIG. 13 , in the offset management table  23 , TID ranges  81 A- 1  to  81 A- 4  of four released chunks in the column A are stored. In the offset management table  23 , TID ranges  81 B- 1  to  81 B- 2  of two released chunks in the column B are stored. In the offset management table  23 , TID ranges  81 C- 1  to  81 C- 4  of four released chunks in the column C are also stored. 
         [0089]    The offset adjusting unit  44  detects common deletion data information in the TID ranges (deletion data information) of these released chunks. The offset adjusting unit  44  advances the TID of the chunks storing attribute data subsequent to a released chunk corresponding to the detected deletion data information. Specifically, the offset adjusting unit  44  performs a process of cutting a common TID range among the TID ranges  81 A- 1  to  81 A- 4 , the TID ranges  81 B- 1  to  81 B- 2 , and the TID ranges  81 C- 1  to  81 C- 4 . 
         [0090]    In the example of  FIG. 13 , the TID ranges indicated by common deletion data information  91 - 1  and  91 - 2  are common TID ranges which can be deleted. It is assumed that the number of pieces of attribute data included in the common deletion data information  91 - 1  is X (X is a natural number, X&lt;N), and the number of pieces of attribute data included in the common deletion data information  91 - 2  is Y (Y is a natural number, Y&lt;N). In this case,  FIG. 14  illustrates a result of deleting each of the common deletion data information  91 - 1  and  91 - 2  and advancing the TID by the offset adjusting unit  44 . 
         [0091]      FIG. 14  is an visualized diagram illustrating deletion data information stored in the offset management table  23  after performing the offset adjusting process. As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the offset adjusting unit  44  truncated TID ranges by deleting the TID ranges indicated by the common deletion data information  91 - 1  and  91 - 2  in  FIG. 13  and bringing (advancing) the TID forward. By the operation, the maximum value of TID decreases from N to (N−(X+Y)). More specifically, by deleting the common deletion data information by the offset adjusting unit  44 , TID ranges  81 A- 1 ′,  81 A- 2 ′,  81 A- 3 , and  81 A- 4  of chunks which are released in the column A, are stored in the offset management table  23 . In the offset management table  23 , TID ranges  81 B- 1 ′ and  81 B- 2 ′ of chunks which are released in the column B, are stored. Further, in the offset management table  23 , TID ranges  81 C- 1 ′,  81 A- 2 ,  81 A- 3 ′, and  81 A- 4  of chunks released in the column C are stored. 
         [0092]    Also in the case of executing the offset adjusting process on a database including three columns, digit overflow of the TID value can be prevented. As a result, the database can be operable for long time. Obviously, the number of columns is not limited to three but may be four or more plural number. As illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , in the case where common deletion data information (TID range) exists while the start TIDs and the offsets stored in the each offset management table  23  for each column do not match, the offset adjusting unit  44  deletes the information of a released chunk corresponding to the common deletion data information. And then the offset adjusting unit  44  can advance TID of a chunk storing the attribute data after the chunk. 
         [0093]    (Operation) 
         [0094]    Next, referring to  FIGS. 15 to 17 , the above-described operation of the information processing apparatus  1  will be described specifically.  FIG. 15  is a flowchart for explaining the data deleting process.  FIG. 16  is a flowchart for explaining the data retrieving process.  FIG. 17  is a flowchart for explaining the data obtaining process. 
         [0095]    First, referring to  FIG. 15 , the data deleting process will be described. In the data deleting process, the query processing unit  41  receives deletion information (step S 1 ). Deletion information is information expressing tuple data to be deleted. For example, the query processing unit  41  receives tuple data of TID 200 to 299 of the data  61  as deletion information. Subsequently, the query processing unit  41  deletes attribute data in the chunk (step S 2 ). For example, the query processing unit  41  deletes the attribute data of TID 200 to 299 stored in each of the column data  21 A and  21 B. 
         [0096]    The chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines whether all of attribute data in a predetermined chunk is deleted or not (step S 3 ). When the chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines that all of attribute data in a predetermined chunk is deleted (step S 3 : Yes), the chunk deletion determining unit  43  releases the chunk from which all of the attribute data is deleted (step S 4 ). For example, when attribute data of TID 200 to 299 is deleted by the query processing unit  41  in the column A, all of the attribute data stored in the chunk CA 2  is deleted. Therefore, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines that the chunk CA 2  can be deleted and releases the chunk CA 2  in the column data  21 . 
         [0097]    Subsequently, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  deletes the information of the released chunk from the chunk list  22  (step S 5 ). For example, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  deletes the chunk identification information “CA 2 ” stored in the chunk list  22 A of the column A. The column data managing unit  42  stores the information of the released chunk into the offset management table  23  (step S 6 ). For example, when the chunk CA 2  is released by the chunk deletion determining unit  43 , the column data managing unit  42  stores the start TID (start data information) “200” which is TID of the first attribute data stored in the chunk CA 2 , into the offset management table  23 A. The column data managing unit  42  also stores the offset value (the number of pieces of attribute data) “100” which is the number of pieces of attribute data stored in the chunk CA 2 , into the offset management table  23 A. 
         [0098]    Subsequently, the column data managing unit  42  determines whether common chunk information is stored in the offset management tables  23  for each column, or not (step S 7 ). In the case where the column data managing unit  42  determines that information of a common chunk is stored in the offset management table  23  for each column (step S 7 : Yes), the TID is brought (advanced) forward on the basis of the information of the common chunk (step S 8 ). As a result, in the case where the common TID range is TID 200 to 399, for example, when the query processing unit  41  executes a data process (for example, the data retrieving process or data obtaining process), the column data managing unit  42  brings the TID forward as follows. Specifically, the column data managing unit  42  sequentially brings forward the values of TID by 200 on the attribute data processed as TID 400 to 499 before the offset adjusting process (steps S 7  and S 8 ), and set the TID as 200 to 299 to those attribute data. After the process of step S 8 , or in the case where the determination result of the processes of steps S 3  and S 7  is ‘No’, the data deleting process is finished. In such a manner, the value of TID can be maintained as a small value, and digit overflow of the value of TID can be prevented. Therefore, the database can be operable for long time. The process of optimizing the offset management table  23  (steps S 7  and S 8 ) is not limited to be executed after the process of step S 6  but can be executed at an arbitrary timing. 
         [0099]    Next, the data retrieving process will be described with reference to  FIG. 16 . In the data retrieving process, the query processing unit  41  receives retrieval information (step S 21 ). The retrieval information is information expressing attribute data to be retrieved. For example, the query processing unit  41  receives information that the attribute data of the column A is “XX-40” as retrieval information. Subsequently, the query processing unit  41  initializes TID (step S 22 ). That is, the query processing unit  41  sets TID=0. 
         [0100]    The query processing unit  41  determines whether there is the following (next) chunk or not (step S 23 ). In the case where TID is initialized in the process of step S 22  (for example, in the case where TID=0), the query processing unit  41  determines whether there is the chunk or not. When it is determined that there is the next chunk (step S 23 : Yes), the query processing unit  41  determines whether the value of TID matches the value of the start TID stored in the offset management table  23  (step S 24 ). For example, referring to the offset management table  23 A in  FIG. 9 , the query processing unit  41  determines that the value of start TID is “0” and the value of start TID matches the value of TID (step S 24 : Yes). In this case, the query processing unit  41  adds the offset value to the value of TID (step S 25 ). For example, when referring to the offset management table  23  in  FIG. 9 , the offset value is set as “100”, so that the query processing unit  41  adds the offset value “100” to the value “0” of TID. 
         [0101]    Subsequently, the query processing unit  41  obtains a chunk (step S 26 ). More specifically, the query processing unit  41  obtains the chunk CA 1  storing the value “100” of TID. The query processing unit  41  performs a matching process (step S 27 ). More specifically, the query processing unit  41  performs a process of determining whether attribute data corresponding to the TID matches retrieval information or not. For example, the query processing unit  41  determines whether or not the attribute data corresponding to the value “100” of TID is “XX-40” obtained as the retrieval information. When it is determined that the attribute data corresponding to the TID matches the retrieval information, the query processing unit  41  obtains the value of TID which matches the retrieval information and holds it. Subsequently, the query processing unit  41  increments the value of TID by one (step S 28 ). Then, the query processing unit  41  determines whether there is attribute data in a chunk or not (step S 29 ). When the query processing unit  41  determines that there is still attribute data in the chunk (step S 29 : Yes), the process returns to step S 27 , and the subsequent processes are repeated. That is, the query processing unit  41  determines whether the attribute data corresponding to the value of TID which is incremented by one matches retrieval information or not (performs a matching process). 
         [0102]    On the other hand, in the case where the query processing unit  41  determines that there is no attribute data in the chunk (step S 29 : No), the process returns to step S 23 , and the subsequent processes are repeated. When it is determined that there is no next chunk in the process of step S 23  (step S 23 : No), the attribute and data retrieving process is finished. In such a manner, for example, the value of TID whose attribute data in the column A is “XX-40” can be retrieved. 
         [0103]    As described above, regardless of the fact the chunk, in which all of attribute data is deleted, is released (deleted), the query processing unit  41  can execute the data retrieving process on attribute data stored in the column data  21  virtually. 
         [0104]    Next, the data obtaining process will be described with reference to  FIG. 17 . In the data obtaining process, the query processing unit  41  receives acquisition information (step S 41 ). The acquisition information is information expressing the value of TID to be obtained. For example, the query processing unit  41  receives TID “350” as acquisition information. Subsequently, the query processing unit  41  initializes TID (step S 42 ). That is, the query processing unit  41  sets TID=0. 
         [0105]    The query processing unit  41  determines whether the value of TID matches the value of start TID stored in the offset management table  23  or not (step S 43 ). For example, referring to the offset management table  23 A in  FIG. 9 , the query processing unit  41  determines that the value of start TID is “0”, and therefore the value of start TID matches the value of TID (step S 43 : Yes). In this case, the query processing unit  41  adds the offset value to the value of TID (step S 44 ). For example, when referring to the offset management table  23  in  FIG. 9 , the offset value is set as “100”, so that the query processing unit  41  adds the offset value “100” to the value “0” of TID. After the process of step S 44 , or in the case where the determination result of the process of step S 43  is ‘No’, the query processing unit  41  obtains a chunk (step S 45 ). More specifically, the query processing unit  41  obtains the chunk CA 1  storing the value “100” of TID. 
         [0106]    Subsequently, the query processing unit  41  adds the number of pieces of attribute data of the chunk, to the value of TID (step S 46 ). For example, the query processing unit  41  adds the number of pieces of attribute data “100” to the value of TID “100”. The query processing unit  41  determines whether the value of TID is larger than the value of TID to be obtained or not (step S 47 ). For example, the value “200” of TID, to which the number of pieces of attribute data is added, is smaller than the value “350” of TID to be obtained. Therefore, the query processing unit  41  determines No in the process of step S 47  and determines whether there is a next chunk or not (step S 48 ). When the query processing unit  41  determines that there is a next chunk (step S 48 : Yes), the process returns to step S 43  and the subsequent processes are repeated. That is, the query processing unit  41  executes the process in step S 43  and subsequent steps on the basis of the value of TID to which the number of pieces of attribute data is added in step S 46 . 
         [0107]    On the other hand, when the query processing unit  41  determines that the value of TID is larger than the value of TID to be obtained, in step S 47  (step S 47 : Yes), a chunk to be obtained is specified (step S 49 ). For example, the query processing unit  41  determines that the value “400” of TID exceeds the value “350” of TID to be obtained. Therefore, the query processing unit  41  specifies that attribute data corresponding to the TID “350” is stored in the chunk CA 3 . The query processing unit  41  obtains the attribute data to be obtained from the specified chunk (step S 50 ). That is, the query processing unit  41  obtains the attribute data corresponding to the TID “350” from the chunk CA 3 . After the process of step S 50 , or when the determination result in step S 48  is ‘No’, the data obtaining process is finished. As described above, regardless of the fact the chunk CA 2  is deleted, the query processing unit  41  can execute the data obtaining process of obtaining attribute data corresponding to the TID “350”. 
       Second Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0108]    Next, a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 18 to 23 .  FIGS. 18 to 23  are diagrams for explaining the configuration of an information processing apparatus  101 . 
         [0109]    (Configuration) 
         [0110]    First, referring to  FIG. 18 , the information processing apparatus  101  will be described.  FIG. 18  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus  101  in the exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the information processing apparatus  101  has the processing unit  11  and a storage unit  112 . In the second exemplary embodiment, the same reference numeral is designated to a component corresponding to the information processing apparatus  1  in the first exemplary embodiment. 
         [0111]    The processing unit  11  has a configuration similar to the processing unit  11  described with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The storage unit  112  has a configuration similar to the storage unit  12  in  FIG. 4  and stores the column data  21  and a chunk list  122 . The column data  21  has a configuration similar to that of the first exemplary embodiment. The details of the column data  21  and the chunk list  122  will be described later. 
         [0112]    The column data managing unit  42  arranges the attribute data of the tuple data, for each column (attribute), for example, in the data  61  of the tabular form of  FIG. 6 . And then The column data managing unit  42  stores the arranged attribute data to the column data  21  in the storage unit  12 .  FIG. 19  is a diagram illustrating an example of the storage unit  112 . As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , in the column data  21 , attribute data in the column A and attribute data in the column B is stored in chunks as a plurality of storage regions having a predetermined size. 
         [0113]    For example, it is assumed that the chunk size is a fixed length of 400 bytes and the size of one piece of attribute data in the column A is four bytes. In this case, the entire storage capacity of the attribute data of the column A is 2,000 bytes (4 bytes×500 pieces). Since one hundred pieces of attribute data can be stored in one chunk, the column data managing unit  42  obtains five chunks CA 0  to CA 4  as illustrated in  FIG. 19  and sequentially stores attribute data of the column A in the data  61 . 
         [0114]    The column data managing unit  42  stores, into the chunk list  122 , pointer information such as addresses and identification information by which a plurality of chunks stored in the column data  21  can be specified. The column data managing unit  42  also stores the start TID (start data information), which is TID of attribute data stored at the head of the chunk, into the chunk list  122 . The column data managing unit  42  stores end TID (end data information), which is TID of attribute data stored at the end of the chunk, into the chunk list  122 . For example, the column data managing unit  42  stores, in a chunk list  122 A of the column A, each of the chunk identification information CA 0  to CA 4  and start TID and end TID of a chunk corresponding to each of the chunk identification information CA 0  to CA 4  so as to be associated with each other. 
         [0115]    On the other hand, it is assumed that the size of one piece of attribute data in the column B is two bytes, for example. In this case, the entire storage capacity of the attribute data of the column B is 1000 bytes (2 bytes×500 pieces). 200 pieces of attribute data can be stored in one chunk. As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the column data managing unit  42  obtains three chunks CB 0  to CB 2  and sequentially stores the attribute data of the column B of the data  61 . The column data managing unit  42  stores, in a chunk list  122 B of the column B, each of the chunk identification information CB 0  to CB 2  and start TID and end TID of a chunk corresponding to each of the chunk identification information CB 0  to CB 2  so as to be associated with each other. 
         [0116]    With the arrangement, when the query processing unit  41  executes predetermined processes (a data deleting process, a data retrieving process, and a data obtaining process which will be described later) on the data  61 , the column data managing unit  42  can read the attribute data from an arbitrary chunk. Therefore, even in the case where the number of chunks is large, the column data managing unit  42  can more promptly obtain the attribute data of a predetermined column requested by the query processing unit  41 . 
         [0117]    Next, each of the data deleting process, the data retrieving process, and the data obtaining process executed on the data  61  by the query processing unit  41  will be described. First, referring to  FIG. 20 , the data deleting process will be described. In the following, the case that the query processing unit  41  receives a request of deleting 100 pieces of tuple data of TID 200 to 299 from the user via an input apparatus (not illustrated) will be described. In this case, the query processing unit  41  deletes tuple data of TID 200 to 299 in the data  61 . More specifically, the query processing unit  41  deletes each of the attribute data of TID 200 to 299 stored in the column data  21 A and  21 B. 
         [0118]    The chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines whether or not a chunk can be deleted by the data deleting process of the query processing unit  41 . More specifically, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  obtains, for the each column, deletion data information. The deletion data information expresses information specifying the order (TID) in a tabular form, of tuple data including the attribute data deleted from chunks set for each column, by the query processing unit  41 . For example, when attribute data of TID 200 to 299 is deleted by the query processing unit  41  in the column A, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  obtains TID 200 to 299 as deletion data information. On the basis of the obtained deletion data information, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines that all of the attribute data stored in the chunk CA 2  is deleted. Therefore, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines that the chunk CA 2  can be deleted and releases the chunk CA 2  in the column data  21 . 
         [0119]    The chunk deletion determining unit  43  deletes the chunk identification information “CA 2 ”, the start TID “200”, and the end TID “299” stored in the chunk list  122 A of the column A of  FIG. 20 . By the operation, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  updates the chunk list  122 A (stores deletion data information). 
         [0120]    On the other hand, in the case where attribute data of TID 200 to 299 is deleted by the query processing unit  41  in the column B, a part of the attribute data stored in the chunk CB 1  is deleted. However, the attribute data of TID 300 to 399 is still stored in the chunk CB 1 . Therefore, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines that the chunk CB 1  cannot be deleted and does not release the chunk CB 1 . 
         [0121]    In such a case, the column data managing unit  42  does not advance the TID stored in the chunks CA 3  and CA 4  after the chunk CA 2  in the column A. Consequently, even when a chunk is released, consistency of the information of tuples can be maintained. 
         [0122]    Next, processes, in the case where the query processing unit  41  performs a data retrieving process, after having performed a process of deleting the attribute data of TID 200 to 299, will be described below. In this example, processes to retrieve a TID (tuple) whose attribute data in the column A is “XX-40” and whose attribute data in the column B is “2000”, from the data  61  of  FIG. 6 , will be described. 
         [0123]    The query processing unit  41  refers to the chunk list  122 A in the column A of  FIG. 20  and extracts chunks in order of CA 0 , CA 1 , CA 3 , and CA 4 . The query processing unit  41  determines whether the attribute data in the extracted chunks matches “XX-40” or not. For example, the query processing unit  41  determines whether the attribute data of TID “0” in the extracted chunk CA 0  matches “XX-40” or not. Subsequently, the query processing unit  41  increments the value of TID by one each time the attribute data in a chunk is extracted and determines whether the attribute data corresponding to the TID incremented by one matches “XX-40” or not. In the case of referring to attribute data in a new chunk (in the case where the value of TID reaches to the end TID of a chunk referred to), the query processing unit  41  refers to the chunk list  122 A and sets (initializes) the value of TID to the start TID of the chunk. 
         [0124]    Since the chunk CA 2  has been already deleted, no process is performed for tha chunk CA 2 . Therefore, when the value of TID becomes “199”, for example, the query processing unit  41  refers to the chunk list  122 A and sets the value of TID as the start TID “300” of CA 3 . The query processing unit  41  determines whether the attribute data of TID “300” matches “XX-40” or not. Subsequently, the query processing unit  41  repeats the above-described data retrieving process. 
         [0125]    As a result, without referring to the deleted chunk CA 2 , the query processing unit  41  executes the data retrieving process on the chunk CA 3  storing attribute data after the chunk CA 2 . As described above, regardless of the fact that the chunk CA 2  is deleted, the query processing unit  41  can execute the data retrieving process of attribute data of TID 0 to  499  stored in the column data  21 A, virtually. 
         [0126]    The query processing unit  41  refers to the chunk list  122 B in the column B and extracts chunks in order of CB 0 , CB 1 , and CB 2 . The query processing unit  41  determines whether attribute data in the extracted chunk matches “2000” or not. For example, the query processing unit  41  determines whether the attribute data of TID “0” in the extracted chunk CB 0  matches “2000” or not. Subsequently, the query processing unit  41  increments the value of TID by one each time the attribute data in a chunk is extracted and determines whether the attribute data corresponding to the TID incremented by one matches “2000” or not. 
         [0127]    When the value of TID becomes the end TID of a chunk referred to, the query processing unit  41  refers to the chunk list  122 B and sets (initializes) the value of TID to the start TID of a next extracted chunk. The query processing unit  41  executes the data retrieving process on the attribute data of TID 0 to 499 in the column B in order. 
         [0128]    As described above, even in the case where one chunk in the column A is released, without causing a mismatch between the TID in the column A and the TID in the column B, the query processing unit  41  can reliably execute the data retrieving process. 
         [0129]    Next, processes in the case where the query processing unit  41  performs a data obtaining process, after having performed a process of deleting the attribute data of TID 200 to 299, will be described below. In this example, processes to obtain attribute data corresponding to TID “350” will be described, for example. 
         [0130]    The query processing unit  41  refers to the chunk list  122 A in the column A and extracts chunks in order of CA 0 , CA 1 , CA 3 , and CA 4 . The query processing unit  41  sets (initializes) the start TID of the extracted chunk to the value of TID. Subsequently, the query processing unit  41  determines whether the value of TID added exceeds “350” or not. For example, the query processing unit  41  determines whether the start TID “0” in the extracted chunk CA 0  exceeds “350” or not. When it is determined that the start TID “0” does not exceed “350”, the query processing unit  41  extracts the chunk CA 1  and sets the start TID “100” of the chunk CA 1 , to the value of TID. 
         [0131]    After performing similar processes, the query processing unit  41  determines that the start TID “400” of the chunk CA 4  exceeds “350”. and it is clarified that attribute data corresponding to TID “350” is stored in the chunk CA 3 . Therefore, the query processing unit  41  obtains the attribute data corresponding to TID “350” from the chunk CA 3 . As described above, regardless of the fact that the chunk CA 2  is deleted, the query processing unit  41  can execute the data obtaining process of obtaining attribute data corresponding to TID “350”. 
         [0132]    The query processing unit  41  refers to the chunk list  122 B in the column B and extracts chunks in order of CB 0 , CB 1 , and CB 2 . The query processing unit  41  sets (initializes) the start TID of the extracted chunk to the value of TID. The query processing unit  41  determines whether the value of TID added exceeds “350” or not. In the column B, the query processing unit  41  extracts the chunk CB 2  and determines that the start TID “400” of the chunk CB 2  exceeds “350”. Therefore, the query processing unit  41  obtains attribute data corresponding to TID “350” from the chunk CB 1 . 
         [0133]    As described above, even in the case where one chunk in the column A is released, without causing a mismatch between the TID in the column A and the TID in the column B, the query processing unit  41  can reliably execute the data obtaining process. By referring to the chunk list  122 , the start TID of each of chunks can be referred. Consequently, the query processing unit  41  can start the data obtaining process from an arbitrary chunk. As a result, as compared with the case of incrementing the value of TID by one sequentially from the head of a chunk list as in the first exemplary embodiment, the query processing unit  41  can execute the data obtaining process more promptly. In addition, since the data obtaining process can be executed from an arbitrary chunk, the query processing unit  41  can execute the data obtaining process promptly and efficiently by parallel processing. Further, since attribute data is obtained by designating TID, it is unnecessary to calculate TID from the head in a chunk and, for example, a process such as binary search can be executed. Consequently, the query processing unit  41  can obtain desired attribute data more promptly. 
         [0134]    Referring now to  FIG. 21 , a case will be described in which the query processing unit  41  performs a process of deleting attribute data of TID 200 to 299 and, after that, receives a request of deleting 100 pieces of tuple data corresponding to TID 0 to 99, and 100 pieces of tuple data corresponding to TID 300 to 399 from the user via an input apparatus (not illustrated). In this case, the query processing unit  41  deletes the tuple data of TID 0 to 99 and the tuple data of TID 300 to 399. More specifically, the query processing unit  41  deletes each of the attribute data of TID 0 to 99 and each of the attribute data of TID 300 to 399 stored in the columns in the column data  21 . 
         [0135]    The chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines whether a chunk can be deleted or not after the data deleting process of the query processing unit  41 . In the case where the attribute data of TID 0 to 99 is deleted by the query processing unit  41  in the column A, all of the attribute data stored in the chunk CA 0  is deleted. Therefore, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines that the chunk CA 0  can be deleted and releases the chunk CA 0  in the column data  21 . Similarly, in the case where the attribute data of TID 300 to 399 is deleted by the query processing unit  41  in the column A, all of the attribute data stored in the chunk CA 3  is deleted. Therefore, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines that the chunk CA 3  can be deleted and releases the chunk CA 3  in the column data  21 . 
         [0136]    The chunk deletion determining unit  43  deletes the chunk identification information “CA 0 ”, the start TID “0”, and the end TID “99” stored in the chunk list  122 A in the column A of  FIG. 20 . The chunk deletion determining unit  43  deletes the chunk identification information “CA 3 ”, the start TID “300”, and the end TID “399”. 
         [0137]    On the other hand, in the case where the attribute data of TID 0 to 99 is deleted by the query processing unit  41  in the column B, although a part of the attribute data stored in the chunk CB 0  is deleted, the attribute data is still stored in the chunk CB 0 . Therefore, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines that the chunk CB 0  cannot be deleted, and does not release the chunk CB 0 . In the case where the attribute data of TID 300 to 399 is deleted by the query processing unit  41  in the column B, all of the attribute data stored in the chunk CB 1  is deleted. Therefore, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines that the chunk CB 1  can be deleted and releases the chunk CB 1  in the column data  21 . 
         [0138]    The chunk deletion determining unit  43  deletes the chunk identification information “CB 1 ”, the start TID “200”, and the end TID “399” stored in the chunk list  122 B in the column B in  FIG. 20 . In the case where the data retrieving process and the data obtaining process are executed by the query processing unit  41 , since the start TID and the end TID of each chunk are stored, consistency of TID can be maintained between the columns. 
         [0139]    Next, a process for preventing digit overflow of the value of TID will be described. The offset adjusting unit  44  (or the column data managing unit  42 ) generates the offset management table  23  with reference to the chunk list  122  at an arbitrary timing. An arbitrary timing is, for example, a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed, a timing when a chunk is released by the chunk deletion determining unit  43 , a timing when the predetermined number of pieces of attribute data stored in a chunk is deleted, or the like. More specifically, with reference to the chunk list  122 , the offset adjusting unit  44  determines whether the value of the end TID of a predetermined chunk and the value of the start TID of a chunk subsequent to the predetermined chunk are continuous or not. When it is determined that the value of the end TID of a predetermined chunk and the value of the start TID of the next chunk are not continuous, the offset adjusting unit  44  regards that a deleted chunk exists. Note that the initial value of the start TID of the first chunk is “0”. When the start TID of the first chunk stored in the chunk list  122  is not “0”, the offset adjusting unit  44  regards that the first chunk is deleted. Subsequently, the offset adjusting unit  44  generates the offset management table  23  ( FIG. 22 ) in which the start TID of a deleted chunk and the number of pieces of attribute data (offset value) of the deleted chunk are stored. 
         [0140]    For example, the offset adjusting unit  44  refers to the chunk list  122 A of the column A and regards that the chunk identification information “CA 0 ”, “CA 2 ”, and “CA 3 ” is deleted. Therefore, the offset adjusting unit  44  generates the offset management table  23 A ( FIG. 22A ) in which the start TID of a deleted chunk and the number of pieces of attribute data of the deleted chunk are stored. Similarly, the offset adjusting unit  44  refers to the chunk list  122 B of the column B and regards that the chunk identification information “CB 1 ” is deleted. Therefore, the offset adjusting unit  44  generates the offset management table  23 B ( FIG. 22B ) in which the start TID of a deleted chunk and the number of pieces of attribute data of the chunk are stored. 
         [0141]    In a manner similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the offset adjusting unit  44  refers to the offset management tables  23 A and  23 B in  FIG. 22  and determines whether there is a common TID range (deletion data information) or not. In the example of  FIG. 22 , the start TID “200” and the offset value “200” in the column A and those in the column B are to match (are common). Therefore, even when the information of the start TID “200” and the offset value “200” is deleted, mismatch of TID does not occur when a predetermined process is executed by the query processing unit  41 . Thus, as illustrated in  FIGS. 23A and 23B , the offset adjusting unit  44  deletes the start TID “200” and the offset value “200” stored in each of the offset management tables  23 A and  23 B. 
         [0142]    Simultaneously, the column data managing unit  42  refers to the chunk list  122  and advances the value of the start TID (the order in the tabular form of attribute data) and the value of the end TID of a chunk storing attribute data after the released chunk, corresponding to the common TID range (deletion data information). More specifically, when the common TID range is TID 200 to 399, as illustrated in  FIG. 24 , the column data managing unit  42  sequentially advances the value of TID 400 to 499 by the offset value “200” (the number of pieces of attribute data). And the column data managing unit  42  can set those TID as 200 to 299. In such a manner, the value of TID can be maintained at a small value, and digit overflow of the TID value can be prevented. Therefore, a database can be operable for long time. Although, in the above description, specification of a common part and updating of the chunk list  122  are sequentially performed, it is also possible to calculate a cumulative total value of TID to be advanced after specifying all of common parts, and to update the chunk list  122 . 
         [0143]    The offset adjusting unit  44  can advance the value of TID on the basis of a common TID range with reference to the chunk list  122  without generating the offset management table  23 . For example, the offset adjusting unit  44  determines whether common start TID and end TID is included in each of the chunk lists  122  obtained by the columns. In the example of  FIG. 21 , the offset adjusting unit  44  refers to the chunk list  122 A and specifies that each of the chunk of TID 0 to 99 and the chunk of TID 200 to 399 is deleted (released). The offset adjusting unit  44  refers to the chunk list  122 B and specifies that the chunk of TID 200 to 399 is deleted. Therefore, the offset adjusting unit  44  advances the value of TID in a chunk storing attribute data after the chunk corresponding to the common start TID “200” and the end TID “399”. The offset adjusting unit  44  calculates, for example, “(value of end TID)−(value of start TID)+1” to calculate a value for advancing TID. 
       Third Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0144]    Next, a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 25 to 28 .  FIGS. 25 to 28  are diagrams for explaining the configuration of an information processing apparatus  201 . 
         [0145]    (Configuration) 
         [0146]    First, referring to  FIG. 25 , the information processing apparatus  201  will be described.  FIG. 25  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus  201  in the exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 25 , the information processing apparatus  201  includes an processing unit  211  and a storage unit  212 . In the third exemplary embodiment, the same reference numerals are designated to components corresponding to those in the information processing apparatus  1  in the first exemplary embodiment or those in the information processing apparatus  101  in the second exemplary embodiment. 
         [0147]    As illustrated in  FIG. 26 , the processing unit  211  includes functional blocks of the query processing unit  41 , the column data managing unit  42 , the chunk deletion determining unit  43 , and a common chunk releasing unit  244  (data managing means). The storage unit  212  has a configuration similar to that of the storage unit  12  in  FIG. 4 , and stores the column data  21  and the chunk list  22 . Each of the column data  21 , the chunk list  22 , and the chunk deletion determining unit  43  has a configuration similar to that in the first exemplary embodiment. 
         [0148]    Referring now to  FIG. 27 , the data deleting process will be described. In the following, the case that the query processing unit  41  receives a request of deleting 100 pieces of tuple data of TID 200 to 299 from the user via an input apparatus (not illustrated) will be described. In this case, the query processing unit  41  deletes the tuple data of TID 200 to 299 in the data  61 . More specifically, the query processing unit  41  deletes each of the attribute data of TID 200 to 299 in chunks stored in the column data  21 A and  21 B. 
         [0149]    The chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines whether a chunk can be deleted or not after the data deleting process of the query processing unit  41 . For example, in the case where the attribute data of TID 200 to 299 is deleted by the query process unit  41  in the column A, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  obtains TID 200 to 299 as deletion data information. At this time, all of attribute data stored in the chunk CA 2  is deleted. In the case where all of the attribute data in the chunk is deleted, the chunk deletion determining unit  243  determines that the chunk CA 2  can be deleted. The chunk deletion determining unit  43  can store obtained deletion data information into the storage unit  212 . 
         [0150]    On the other hand, when the attribute data of TID 200 to 299 is deleted by the query processing unit  41  in the column B, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  obtains TID 200 to 299 as deletion data information. At this time, a part of attribute data stored in the chunk CB 1  is deleted but attribute data TID 300 to 399 is still stored in the chunk CB 1 . In the case where not all of the attribute data in the chunk is deleted, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines that the chunk CB 1  cannot be deleted. 
         [0151]    Therefore, the common chunk releasing unit  244  obtains deletion data information of TID 200 to 299 of a chunk which can be deleted in the column A and information that there is no chunk which can be deleted in the column B as a determination result of the chunk deletion determining unit  43 . As a result, the common chunk releasing unit  244  determines that there is no common deletion data information and does not release the chunk CA 2  in the column A. 
         [0152]    Referring now to  FIG. 28 , a case will be described in which the query processing unit  41  receives a request of deleting 100 pieces of tuple data of TID 300 to 399 from the user via an input apparatus (not illustrated). In this case, the query processing unit  41  deletes the tuple data of TID 300 to 399 in the data  61 . More specifically, the query processing unit  41  deletes each of the attribute data of TID 300 to 399 in chunks stored in the column data  21 A and  21 B. 
         [0153]    The chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines whether a chunk can be deleted or not after the data deleting process of the query processing unit  41 . In the case where the attribute data of TID 300 to 399 is deleted by the query processing unit  41  in the column A, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  obtains TID 200 to 299 as stored deletion data information. In addition, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  obtains TID 300 to 399 as deletion data information newly added. In the case where the deletion data information is not stored in the storage unit  212 , the chunk deletion determining unit  43  can retrieve a chunk from which all of attribute data is deleted with reference to the column data  21  stored in the storage unit  212 . The chunk deletion determining unit  43  can obtain information of the start TID and the end TID of the chunk as deletion data information. 
         [0154]    When the attribute data of TID 300 to 399 is deleted by the query processing unit  41 , all of the attribute data stored in the chunks CA 2  and CA 3  is deleted. In this case, the chunk deletion determining unit  243  determines that the chunks CA 2  and CA 3  can be deleted. 
         [0155]    In the case where attribute data of TID 300 to 399 is deleted by the query processing unit  41  in the column B, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  obtains TID 200 to 299 as stored deletion data information. In addition, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  obtains TID 300 to 399 as newly added deletion data information. At this time, all of the attribute data stored in the chunk CB 1  is deleted. In this case, the chunk deletion determining unit  43  determines that the chunk CB 1  can be deleted. 
         [0156]    Next, the common chunk releasing unit  244  obtains deletion data information of TID 200 to 399 of a chunk which can be deleted in the column A as a determination result of the chunk deletion determining unit  43 . The common chunk releasing unit  244  also obtains the deletion data information of TID 200 to 399 which can be deleted in the column B. As a result, the common chunk releasing unit  244  determines that TID 200 to  399  are common deletion data information. In the case where common deletion data information exists as described above, the common chunk releasing unit  244  releases chunks (for example, the chunks CA 2  and CA 3  in the column A and the chunk CB 1  in the column B) corresponding to the common deletion data information. The common chunk releasing unit  244  advances the TID in a chunk storing attribute data after the released chunk. The common chunk releasing unit  244  calculates, for example, “(value of end TID (for example, TID=399))−(value of start TID (for example, TID=200))+1” to calculate a value of advancing TID. In the case where a chunk is released, the common chunk releasing unit  244  deletes information corresponding to the released chunk from the chunk list  122 . 
         [0157]    As described above, the information processing apparatus  201  executes releasing of a chunk and advancing of the value of TID at the same timing. Therefore, in the case where the query processing unit  41  executes the data retrieving process or the data obtaining process, it is unnecessary to refer to the offset management table  23  or the like. Consequently, the information processing apparatus  201  can execute the data retrieving process and the data obtaining process easily and promptly. 
         [0158]    Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the foregoing exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments. Various changes which can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be performed on the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the invention. 
       SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES 
       [0159]    A part or all of the foregoing exemplary embodiments can be also described as the following supplemental notes. Hereinbelow, outline of the configuration of an information processing apparatus and the like in the present invention will be descried. However, the present invention is not limited to the following configuration. 
       Supplemental Note 1 
       [0160]    An information processing apparatus including: 
         [0161]    data managing means for storing data in a tabular form in which a group of tuple data made by a plurality of pieces of attribute data is positioned in a row direction and the attributes are positioned in a column direction so that the tuple data is put together by the attribute data into a storage apparatus; and 
         [0162]    data processing means for executing a predetermined process on the database, 
         [0163]    wherein the data managing means stores attribute data constructing the tuple data into a plurality of chunks each having a storage region of a predetermined capacity set for each of the attribute data in order that the tuple data is positioned in the tabular form, obtains, by the attributes, deletion data information expressing information specifying the order in the tabular form of the tuple data including the attribute data deleted from the chunk set by the attributes by the data processing means, and releases the chunk on the basis of the deletion data information. 
         [0164]    With the configuration, in the case of managing tuple data in a database by attributes, when attribute data stored in a chunk is deleted, deletion data information specifying the order in a tabular form of tuple data including the deleted attribute data is obtained, and a chunk is released on the basis of the deletion data information. Consequently, while maintaining consistency of tuple data in a plurality of attributes, a storage region can be reduced. 
       Supplemental Note 2 
       [0165]    In the information processing apparatus described in the supplemental note 1, when the attribute data is deleted from the chunk by the data processing means, the data managing means stores the deletion data information specifying the order in the tabular form of the tuple data including the attribute data by the attributes into the storage apparatus, obtains the deletion data information by the attributes stored, and releases the chunk on the basis of the deletion data information. 
         [0166]    With the configuration, deletion data information is stored by attributes and a chunk is released on the basis of the stored deletion data information. Consequently, while maintaining consistency of tuple data in a plurality of attributes, a storage region can be reduced. 
       Supplemental Note 3 
       [0167]    In the information processing apparatus described in the supplemental note 1 or 2, when all of the attribute data stored in a predetermined chunk is deleted, the data managing means stores the deletion data information specifying the order in the tabular form of the tuple data including the attribute data deleted from the chunk by the attributes into the storage apparatus, and releases the chunk. 
         [0168]    With the configuration, in the case where all of attribute data in a chunk is deleted, deletion data information corresponding to the chunk is stored, and the chunk is released on the basis of the stored deletion data information. Therefore, management of chunks is facilitated and, while maintaining consistency of tuple data in a plurality of attributes, a storage region can be reduced. 
       Supplemental Note 4 
       [0169]    In the information processing apparatus described in any one of the supplemental notes 1 to 3, 
         [0170]    when common deletion data information is included in each of the deletion data information obtained by the attributes, the data managing means deletes the common deletion data information, thereby advancing the order in the tabular form of the attribute data in a chunk storing the attribute data after the released chunk, corresponding to the common deletion data information deleted. 
         [0171]    With the configuration, in the case where common deletion data information is included in each of deletion data information obtained by attributes, the order in the tabular form of the attribute data is advanced. Therefore, the digit of the order can be prevented from being overflown. 
       Supplemental Note 5 
       [0172]    In the information processing apparatus described in any one of the supplemental notes 1 to 4, 
         [0173]    the data managing means obtains, as the deletion data information obtained by the attributes, start data information specifying the order in the tabular form of the attribute data stored at the head of the chunk and the number of pieces of attribute data as the number of pieces of the attribute data stored in the chunk, and in the case where the start data information and the number of pieces of attribute data which is common is included in each of the deletion data information by the attributes, by deleting the start data information and the number of pieces of attribute data which is common, advances the order in the tabular form of the attribute data in a chunk storing the attribute data after the released chunk, corresponding to the common deletion data information only by the number of pieces of the attribute data. 
         [0174]    With the configuration, start data information and the number of pieces of attribute data of a deleted chunk is obtained and, on the basis of the start data information and the number of pieces of attribute data obtained, the order in the tabular form of the attribute data is advanced. Therefore, consistency of tuple data in a plurality of attributes can be maintained, and the digit of the order can be prevented from being overflown. 
       Supplemental Note 6 
       [0175]    In the information processing apparatus described in the supplemental notes 1 to 4, 
         [0176]    the data managing means obtains, from each of the chunks by the attributes, start data information specifying the order in the tabular form of the attribute data stored at the head of the chunk and end data information specifying the order in the tabular form of the attribute data stored at the end of the chunk, in the case where the start data information and the end data information is not continuous, obtains, as the deletion data information, information specifying the order in the tabular form of the attribute data in a discontinuous range and, in the case where common start data information and common end data information is included in each of the deletion data information by the attributes, deletes the common start data information and the common end data information to advance the start data information and the end data information by the attributes, thereby advancing the order in the tabular form of the attribute data in a chunk storing the attribute data after the released chunk. 
         [0177]    With the configuration, start data information and end data information of a deleted chunk is obtained and, on the basis of the start data information and the end data information obtained, the order in the tabular form of the attribute data is advanced. Consequently, consistency of tuple data in a plurality of attributes can be maintained, and the digit of the order can be prevented from being overflown. 
       Supplemental Note 7 
       [0178]    The information processing apparatus described in the supplemental note 1, 
         [0179]    in the case where the common deletion data information is included in each of the deletion data information obtained by the attributes and the common deletion data information expresses that all of the attribute data stored in a predetermined chunk is deleted, the data managing means releases the chunk corresponding to the common deletion data information and advances the order in the tabular form of the attribute data in a chunk storing the attribute data after the released chunk. 
         [0180]    With the configuration, release of a chunk and advancing of the order are executed at the same timing. Consequently, in the case where a process is executed by the data processing means, without necessity of referring to deletion data information, a process can be executed promptly. 
       Supplemental Note 8 
       [0181]    A program for making an information processing apparatus realize: 
         [0182]    data managing means for storing data in a tabular form in which a group of tuple data made by a plurality of pieces of attribute data is positioned in a row direction and the attributes are positioned in a column direction so that the tuple data is put together by the attribute data into a storage apparatus; and 
         [0183]    data processing means for executing a predetermined process on the database, 
         [0184]    wherein the data managing means stores attribute data constructing the tuple data into a plurality of chunks each having a storage region of a predetermined capacity set for each of the attribute data in order that the tuple data is positioned in the tabular form, obtains, by the attributes, deletion data information expressing information specifying the order in the tabular form of the tuple data including the attribute data deleted from the chunk set by the attributes by the data processing means, and releases the chunk on the basis of the deletion data information. 
       Supplemental Note 9 
       [0185]    An information processing method including the steps of, in an information processing apparatus, 
         [0186]    at the time of storing data in a tabular form in which a group of tuple data made by a plurality of pieces of attribute data is positioned in a row direction and the attributes are positioned in a column direction so that the tuple data is put together by the attribute data into a storage apparatus, storing attribute data constructing the tuple data into a plurality of chunks each having a storage region of a predetermined capacity set for each of the attribute data in order that the tuple data is positioned in the tabular form, 
         [0187]    obtaining, by the attributes, deletion data information expressing information specifying the order in the tabular form of the tuple data including the attribute data deleted from the chunk set by the attributes by the data processing means, and releasing the chunk on the basis of the deletion data information. 
       Supplemental Note 10 
       [0188]    The information processing method described in the supplemental note 9, 
         [0189]    in the case where the attribute data is deleted from the chunk, the deletion data information specifying the order in the tabular form of the tuple data including the attribute data is stored by the attributes into the storage apparatus, the deletion data information is obtained by the attributes stored, and the chunk is released on the basis of the deletion data information. 
         [0190]    A program described in the foregoing exemplary embodiments and the supplemental notes is stored in a storage apparatus or recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. For example, a recording medium is a medium having portability such as a flexible disk, an optical disk, an optical magnetic disk, or a semiconductor memory. 
         [0191]    Although the present invention has been descried with reference to the exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments. Various changes which can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be performed on the configuration and the details of the present invention within the scope of the invention. 
         [0192]    The present invention enjoys benefit of the claims of priority based on the patent application No. 2012-226238 filed on Oct. 11, 2012 in Japan and it is assumed that all of the content described in the patent application is included the specification. 
       REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       [0000]    
       
           1  information processing apparatus 
           11  processing unit 
           12  storage unit 
           21  column data 
           22  chunk list 
           23  offset management table 
           41  query processing unit 
           42  column data managing unit 
           43  chunk deletion determining unit 
           44  offset adjusting unit 
           45  table updating unit 
           101  information processing apparatus 
           122  chunk list 
           201  information processing apparatus 
           211  processing unit 
           244  common chunk releasing unit