Abbreviated index of parameter patterns. An abbreviated index includes indicators that a parameter pattern may be in a set of parameter patterns. To create the abbreviated index, indicators for overlapping parameter patterns of a given parameter pattern are placed in the index. Different patterns may have the same indicator, so the abbreviated index does not necessarily give an absolute indication of the presence of a parameter pattern in the set of parameter patterns, but rather may give an indication of the possible inclusion of a parameter pattern. The use of indicators for overlapping patterns can be used to increase confidence as to the existence of a given parameter pattern in the set of parameter patterns. The absence of an indicator for a parameter pattern or an overlapping parameter pattern will indicate with certainty that the parameter pattern is not present in the set of parameter patterns.