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Experiments with discrimination-tree indexing and path indexing for term retrieval

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Abstract

This article addresses the problem of indexing and retrieving first-order predicate calculus terms in the context of automated deduction programs. The four retrieval operations of concern are to find variants, generalizations, instances, and terms that unify with a given term. Discrimination-tree indexing is reviewed, and several variations are presented. The path-indexing method is also reviewed. Experiments were conducted on large sets of terms to determine how the properties of the terms affect the performance of the two indexing methods. Results of the experiments are presented.

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This was supported by the Applied Mathematical Sciences subprogram of the Office of Energy Research, U.S. Department of Energy, under Contract W-31-109-Eng-38.

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McCune, W. Experiments with discrimination-tree indexing and path indexing for term retrieval. J Autom Reasoning 9, 147–167 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00245458

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