Fibonacci search technique

In computer science, the Fibonacci search technique is a method of searching a sorted array using a divide and conquer algorithm that narrows down possible locations with the aid of Fibonacci numbers. Compared to binary search, Fibonacci search examines locations whose addresses have lower dispersion. Therefore, when the elements being searched have non-uniform access memory storage (i.e., the time needed to access a storage location varies depending on the location previously accessed), the Fibonacci search has an advantage over binary search in slightly reducing the average time needed to access a storage location. The typical example of non-uniform access storage is that of a magnetic tape, where the time to access a particular element is proportional to its distance from the element currently under the tape's head. Note, however, that large arrays not fitting in cache or even in RAM can also be considered as non-uniform access examples. Fibonacci search has a complexity of O(log(x)) (see Big O notation).

Algorithm

Let k be defined as an element in F, the array of Fibonacci numbers. n = F_m is the array size. If the array size is not a Fibonacci number, let F_m be the smallest number in F that is greater than n.

The array of Fibonacci numbers is defined where F_k+2 = F_k+1 + F_k, when k ≥ 0, F₁ = 1, and F₀ = 0.

To test whether an item is in the list of ordered numbers, follow these steps:

1. Set k = m.
2. If k = 0, stop. There is no match; the item is not in the array.
3. Compare the item against element in F_k−1.
4. If the item matches, stop.
5. If the item is less than entry F_k−1, discard the elements from positions F_k−1 + 1 to n. Set k = k − 1 and return to step 2.
6. If the item is greater than entry F_k−1, discard the elements from positions 1 to F_k−1. Renumber the remaining elements from 1 to F_k−2, set k = k − 2, and return to step 2.

Alternative implementation (from "Sorting and Searching" by Knuth):

Given a table of records R₁, R₂, ..., R_N whose keys are in increasing order K₁ < K₂ < ... < K_N, the algorithm searches for a given argument K. Assume N+1 = F_k+1

Step 1. [Initialize] i ← F_k, p ← F_k-1, q ← F_k-2 (throughout the algorithm, p and q will be consecutive Fibonacci numbers)

Step 2. [Compare] If K < K_i, go to Step 3; if K > K_i go to Step 4; and if K = K_i, the algorithm terminates successfully.

Step 3. [Decrease i] If q=0, the algorithm terminates unsuccessfully. Otherwise set i ← i - q, and set (p, q) ← (q, p - q); then return to Step 2

Step 4. [Increase i] If p=1, the algorithm terminates unsuccessfully. Otherwise set i ← i + q, p ← p - q, then q ←q - p; and return to Step 2

See also

• Golden section search

References

• J. Kiefer, "Sequential minimax search for a maximum", Froc. American Mathematical Society, 1953.
• David E. Ferguson, "Fibonaccian searching", Communications of the ACM, vol. 3 , is. 12, p. 648, Dec. 1960.
• Manolis Lourakis, "Fibonaccian search in C". [1]. Retrieved January 18, 2007. Implements Ferguson's algorithm.
• Donald E. Knuth, "The Art of Computer Programming (second edition)", vol. 3 , p. 418, Nov. 2003.