A direct access method using a neural network model

Author

John William Meyer

Abstract

"One of the concerns in computer science involves optimizing usage of machines to make them more efficient and cost effective. One item of particular concern is the use of secondary storage devices, devices that store data other than in the main memory of the computer to which it is attached. The times for searching for data on these devices consistently proves to be a contributing factor in inefficient computer usage.

One data access method that avoids searching when possible is the hashing method. A function is defined to return the record number of a record based on its key field. The record can then be read in directly. A problem exists when more than one key maps to the same record number, called a collision, and must be dealt with, usually adding search time in the process.

Training a neural network to do this avoids these collisions. The Hamming network, based on the Hamming distances of two binary patterns, is trained to map the key fields directly to the record number of the data. The key must be converted to a binary format. The program passes the key to the network that simultaneously calculates the form of the Hamming distance between that key and all keys known to be in the file. A MAXNET network takes these distances and reduces them until no more than one is positive. The record number is found from the results, and the data can be accessed directly. All disadvantages from the software version are virtually eliminated"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Zobrist, George W. (George Winston), 1934-

Committee Member(s)

Dekock, Arlan R.
Bourquin, Jack J.

Department(s)

Computer Science

Degree Name

M.S. in Computer Science

Comments

A report which is substantially this thesis is available here for download.

Research Center/Lab(s)

Intelligent Systems Center

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Spring 1990

Pagination

ix, 60 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 58-59).

Rights

© 1990 John William Meyer, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 6021

Print OCLC #

22439215

Recommended Citation

Meyer, John William, "A direct access method using a neural network model" (1990). Masters Theses. 4330.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/4330