Encoded hierarchy representation and method of generating same

Abstract

Techniques and solutions are provided for encoding information for sets, including sets whose elements are arranged in a hierarchy. Values are defined for different levels of a hierarchy, where the values increase or decrease from a root of the hierarchy. A flattened representation of the hierarchy is generated by multiplying element values by a level value for a level at which a respective element is located. Values for parent and leaf nodes are defined, and a flattened representation of the hierarchy is generated by multiple elements values by the parent value or the leaf node value, depending on whether a respective elements is a parent or leaf node. Quantity values for a set of elements are encoded by adding a quantity of a given element to a value assigned to elements of a set definition that are present in a set.

CPC Classifications