Patent ID: 8849866

Claim:
A method for implementing an ordered data structure comprising a plurality of data elements, the method implemented using at least one processor comprising the steps of: a. ordering the plurality of data elements in a first order arrangement; b. generating a plurality of keys associated with the plurality of ordered data elements, each of the plurality of keys having a unique key-value, wherein the unique key values are generated in an ordered sequence; c. receiving an additional data element for insertion between a first data element and a second data element, wherein the second data element consecutively follows the first data element within the first order of arrangement; d. identifying a first unique key value associated with the first data element and a second unique key value associated with the second data element; e. generating a modified order of arrangement for the plurality of data elements, the modified order of arrangement comprising the additional data element inserted between the first data element and the second data element within the first order of arrangement, the step of inserting comprising: i. generating a third unique key value having a value lying between the first and second unique key values within the ordered sequence, such that locating the third unique key value between the first and second unique key values is consistent with the ordered sequence of unique key values; and ii. associating said third unique key value with the additional data element received for insertion, wherein the step of inserting the additional data element between the first data element and the second data element excludes modification of pointers linking the first data element or associated first unique key value with the second data element or associated second key value; and f. traversing the plurality of data elements in an order determined by the ordered sequence of unique key values including the third unique key value inserted between the first and second unique key values, said traversal resulting in traversal of the plurality of data elements in the modified order arrangement.