Abstract: A method for retrieving data from multidimensional data includes providing a plurality of vectors having feature values in the multidimensional data. A specified retrieving condition is transformed into a retrieving query vector having a dimension equal to a dimension of the multidimensional data. Distances between the retrieving query vector and potential vectors to be retrieved are calculated. The process is stopped and skips calculating a distance when a cumulative value is greater than a maximum value. The method also retains the distance calculated when the cumulative value is less than the maximum value. The maximum value is replaced with the distance calculated, when the distance is less than the maximum value. The method then outputs the retained multidimensional data after the retaining and replacing steps. An apparatus, computer program and machine readable medium related to the method are also discussed.