Tree Structure Comparison for Software Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software comparison tests often fail to detect meaningful differences between modified or new software systems and current systems, particularly in tree structures, due to issues like random differences or different representations of values, leading to incomplete or misleading results.
Innovation Solution
A testing service that intercepts requests and compares tree structures between candidate and authority software systems, using a tree comparator to identify meaningful differences by serializing data in formats like XML, YAML, or JSON, and employing advanced comparison logic to address issues such as attribute mismatches and different node orderings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If comparison tests stop at the first imperfect match, then comparison speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because meaningful differences are not detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tree structure comparison into multiple levels or passes. Instead of stopping at the first mismatch, the comparison is divided into segments that allow traversal through different portions of the tree structures, enabling detection of differences at various levels while maintaining organized comparison flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by identifying and categorizing types of differences before making final comparison decisions. It prepares by establishing comparison rules and data structures in advance that allow it to continue comparing beyond first mismatches, transforming the comparison process into a multi-stage evaluation rather than a single-pass check.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive tree structure comparison is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extended comparison duration
Solution Approach 1:
The comparison process is segmented into discrete steps that can be executed efficiently. By dividing the tree comparison into manageable segments (such as comparing specific node types, attributes, or hierarchical levels), the system achieves comprehensive comparison without requiring excessive time, as each segment can be processed independently and optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by focusing comparison efforts on relevant portions of the tree structures rather than uniformly comparing every node. It performs excessive action in strategic areas where differences are most likely to occur or where meaningful differences are most critical, while reducing comparison depth in areas where differences are less significant.
3Measurement precision
If detailed comparison of all tree nodes is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex tree comparison task into smaller, more manageable comparison units. Each segment handles specific aspects of tree node comparison (such as attribute matching, structural validation, or value comparison), which reduces the complexity of individual comparison operations while maintaining overall comprehensive comparison capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary data structures or comparison objects that mediate between the raw tree structures and the final comparison results. These intermediaries simplify the comparison logic by providing standardized interfaces and abstraction layers, reducing the apparent complexity of the comparison system while enabling detailed node-by-node analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
The techniques described herein provide for comparison of tree structures. In some examples, a system according to this disclosure may receive at least a first item including a first tree structure and a second item including a second tree structure. The system may compare the first item and the second item. In particular, in performing the comparison, the system may detect a sub-tree structure type in the first tree structure and in the second tree structure. In some examples, the sub-tree structure type is one of one or more sub-tree structure types that have corresponding matching processes. Once determined, the system described herein may perform the corresponding matching process of the detected sub-tree structure type for the first tree structure and the second tree structure.