| 摘要 |
A method is provided for searching an association matrix using associative searching techniques. The method contemplates the use of two types of data structures. Firstly, a data structure for locating a particular instance or component in a matrix. Secondly, an associative matrix representing the relationship of the components or instances to one another. The search method requires searching the first data structure to determine the position of the component in the association matrix. The appropriate portion of the matrix is then addressed and horizontal and vertical masks are established for manipulation of the data in the matrix using an associative array processor. Utilising the masks the association matrix may be traversed both vertically and horizontally to identify the desired relationships. The method uniquely takes advantage of the architecture of an associative array processor to provide for the simultaneous searching of rows or columns in response to a single instruction. Thus, the method significantly reduces the search time making the use of association matrices practical along with the reduced storage requirements of such matrices. |
