Embedding Index
Embedding indices are a critical component of vector databases, which are designed to handle high-dimensional data representations. These indices transform traditional data points into multi-dimensional vectors, enabling efficient similarity searches and complex querying operations. In vector databases, embeddings are typically generated using machine learning models like neural networks, which convert input data into vector formats that capture semantic relationships. This process is essential for applications such as natural language processing, image recognition, and recommendation systems, where the goal is to find items that are closely related in meaning or features rather than exact matches.
The use of embedding indices in vector databases significantly enhances the performance and scalability of search operations. Traditional databases struggle with high-dimensional data due to their reliance on exact match queries and limited indexing capabilities. In contrast, vector databases leverage advanced indexing techniques like approximate nearest neighbor (ANN) search algorithms, such as HNSW (Hierarchical Navigable Small World), to quickly retrieve similar vectors from large datasets. This approach reduces query times and improves the ability to handle vast amounts of data, making vector databases an indispensable tool in modern data-driven applications.
With Shapelets, you can use the EmbeddingIndex
class to deal with embeddings stemming from Transformer models.