The goal of this paper is to present algorithms for creating an optimized query plan for retrieving maximum information from multiple relations, using outerjoins. Especially we focus on conjunctive queries in the presence of predicates and foreign functions. We show first with examples that retrieving maximum information by integrating multiple relations requires outerjoin operators. The outerjoin is essential to prevent information loss that would be caused by the inner join. We also show that predicates and foreign functions are useful to mediate the discrepancy among the relations and to create arbitrary views. Outerjoins and foreign functions, together with predicates, make it difficult to create query processing plans since they impose restrictions on the order of query processing. The rest of this paper describes algorithms for creating such query processing plans for conjunctive queries expressed in extended Datalog. First, we show simple algorithms for creating query plans with outerjoins, but without predicates and foreign functions. We use the hypergraph representation of the relations to explain an optimized algorithm. Then, we show a more complex algorithm that works for query plans with predicates and foreign functions. In our algorithm, we create an initial expression graph whose nodes represent query processing units, including outerjoin, predicate and foreign function operators. Then, we convert the initial expression graph into an executable, optimized expression tree. This algorithm is implemented and deployed in a mediation system that integrates heterogeneous information sources.

Automotive electronics technology has become extremely advanced in the regions of automotive engine control, anti-skid brake control, and others. These control systems require highly advanced control performance and high speed microprocessors which can rapidly execute interrupt processing. Automotive engine control systems are now widely utilized in cars with high speed, high power engines. At present, it is generally acknowledged that such high performance engine control for the 10,000 rpm, 12 cylinder engines requires three or more conventional microprocessors. We fabricated an engine control system prototype incorporating the data-driven processor under development, which was installed in an actual automobile. In this paper, the characteristics of the engine control program and simulation results are firstly discussed. Secondly, the structure of the engine control system prototype and the control performance applied to the actual automobile are shown. Finally, from the results of software simulation and the installation of the engine control system prototype with the data-driven processor, we conclude that a single chip data-driven microprocessor can control a high speed, high power, 10,000 rpm, 12 cylinder automobile engine.