Comparison-Based Indexing From First Principles

TL;DR

This paper establishes fundamental principles for comparison-based indexing, introduces a comprehensive design space called the sprawl, and unifies various existing methods while providing a foundation for future index structure development.

Contribution

It defines basic assumptions, derives a general design space, and presents a unifying index structure framework that generalizes current methods and guides future research.

Findings

Introduces the concept of the sprawl as a unifying index design space

Defines a family of partitioning predicates called ambits

Provides algorithms for search and construction within this framework

Abstract

Basic assumptions about comparison-based indexing are laid down and a general design space is derived from these. An index structure spanning this design space (the sprawl) is described, along with an associated family of partitioning predicates, or regions (the ambits), as well as algorithms for search and, to some extent, construction. The sprawl of ambits forms a unification and generalization of current indexing methods, and a jumping-off point for future designs.