ORDERING

摘要

A method for imposing an ordering constraint between a plurality of vectors each vector containing a plurality of values, each value being held at a position of one of the said plurality of vectors identified by an index unique within that vector, and at least one value of at least one of the said plurality of vectors being undetermined. The method comprises setting a pointer alpha, to point to a lowest common index of the said plurality of vectors, such that the values of each vector at that index are not equal, but all values at lower indices are equal. The method further comprises setting at least one undetermined value in one or more of the plurality of vectors at indices higher than or equal to the pointer, so as to enforce the ordering constraint. An alternative method is provided comprising setting a pointer beta, to point to a common index of the said I plurality of vectors, such that the values of each vector at indices higher than said common index violate the ordering constraint to be imposed. The alternative method also comprises setting at least one undetermined value in one or more of the plurality of vectors at indices lower than the pointer, so as to enforce the ordering constraint between the two vectors. The two methods are preferably used in combination with one another.