A data structure includes variable-size data objects ["VSDOs"] and enables
selective and efficient retrieval of data in particular VSDOs. The data
structure includes multiple packets. Each packet includes a reference
count field, a references field, and an objects field. The references
field stores references to VSDOs within the data structure. The reference
count field indicates the number of references stored in the references
field. The objects field stores the-actual VSDOs. To access a particular
VSDO, an accessing unit traverses the reference count fields of the
multiple packets until the accessing unit finds a packet that includes
the reference to the particular VSDO. The accessing unit accesses the
particular VSDO based upon the reference. To further improve the
efficiency of an access operation, packets form metapackets. A metapacket
header sums the reference count fields of the packets within the
metapacket. To access a particular VSDO, an accessing unit traverses the
metapacket headers until the accessing unit finds a metapacket that
includes a packet having the reference to the particular VSDO. Based upon
the reference, the accessing unit accesses the particular VSDO. Storing
light field information in VSDOs using the data structure facilitates
efficient light field operations and light field operations at selective
levels of refinement.