Difference extraction between two versions of data-tables containing intra-references

Patent 6546552 Issued on April 8, 2003. Estimated Expiration Date:

August 18, 2019. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventor

Peleg, Sharon

Assignee

Red Bend Ltd.

Application

No. 376512 filed on 08/18/1999

US Classes:

717/170Plural version management

Examiners

Primary: Morse, Gregory
Assistant: Chavis, John Q.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Fitch, Even, Tabin, & Flannery

Foreign Patent References

0 472 812 EP 03/09/1992
4-242829 JP 08/09/1992
5-091550 JP 04/09/1993
WO 93/00633 WO 01/09/1993
WO 97/12508 WO 04/09/1997

International Class

G06F 009/45

Foreign Application Priority Data

1998-08-19 IL

Abstract

A method for generating a compact difference result between an old program and a new program. Each program including reference entries that contain reference that refer to other entries in the program. The method includes the steps of scanning the old program and for each reference entry perform steps that include replacing the reference of the entry by a distinct label mark, whereby a modified old program is generated. There is further provided the step of scanning the new program and for each reference entry perform steps that include replacing the reference of the entry by a distinct label mark, whereby a modified new program is generated. There is still further provided the step of generating the specified difference result utilizing directly or indirectly the modified old program and modified new program.

Other References

Horwitz, Identifying the Semantic and Textual Differences Between Two Versions of a Program, ACM, pp. 234-245.
International Search Report for PCT/IL99/00446, dated Dec. 12, 1999 (3 pages)
Coppieters, K.: "A Cross-Platform Binary Diff", Dr. Dobb's Journal, US, San Mateo, California, pp. 32, 35-36, XP 00061066