Buffering a hierarchical index of multi-dimensional data
US6470344B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 27, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 27, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S707/99945
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods are provided for buffering nodes of a hierarchical index (e.g., R-tree, bang file, hB-tree) during operations on multi-dimensional data represented by the index. The methods are particularly suited for query operations, and a different method may be more suitable for one pattern of queries than another. Where queries are distributed in a relatively uniform manner across the domain or dataspace of an index, a node-area buffering method is provided. In this method nodes are cached or buffered in order of their respective areas (e.g., their minimum bounding areas), and a node having a smaller area will be replaced in cache before a node having a larger area. When, however, queries are not uniformly distributed, then a least frequently accessed buffering technique may be applied. According to this method statistics are maintained concerning the frequency with which individual index nodes are accessed. Those accessed less frequently are replaced in cache before those accessed more frequently. Yet another, generic, buffering strategy is provided that is suitable for all patterns of query distribution. In accordance with this method, whenever a node must be removed from cache in o…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.