Local correction of helix(k) lists

A helix (k) list is a robust multiply linked list having k pointers in each node. In general, the ith pointer in each node addresses the ith previous node. However, the first pointer in each node addresses the next node, rather than the previous. An algorithm for performing local correction in a helix (k ⩾3) list is presented. Given the assumption that at most k errors are encountered during any single correction step, this algorithm performs correction whenever possible, and otherwise reports failure. The algorithm generally reports failure only if all k pointers addressing a specific node are damaged, causing this node to become disconnected. However, in a helix (k=3) structure, one specific type of damage that causes disconnection is indistinguishable from alternative damage that does not. This also causes the algorithm to report failure