We give the first efficient parallel algorithms for solving the arrangement problem. We give a deterministic algorithm for the CREW PRAM which runs in nearly optimal bounds of O(log n log n) time and n2/ log n processors. We generalize this to obtain an O(log n log n)-time algorithm using nd / log n processors for solving the problem in d dimensions. We also give a randomized algorithm for the EREW PRAM that constructs an arrangement of n lines on-line, in which each insertion is done in optimal O(log n) time using n/ log n processors. Our algorithms develop new parallel data structures and new methods for traversing an arrangement. Key Words. Parallel algorithms, Computational geometry, Arrangement problem, Incremental algorithms.
Richard J. Anderson, Paul Beame, Erik Brisson