Tree Delta Encoding for Multi-File Software Version Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing file delta encoding methods are inadequate for determining differences between data trees, which consist of multiple directories and files, as they primarily focus on file-level changes and cannot directly apply to tree structures.
Innovation Solution
The system performs tree delta encoding by classifying similarity between nodes of two data trees based on file names, paths, values, and directory structures, generating a delta as a sequence of edit operations to transform one data tree into another, using fingerprint matching for precise node identification and similarity assessment across multiple levels of directory and file nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If file delta encoding is applied to individual files, then file-level change tracking is achieved, but it cannot determine changes between entire software versions consisting of multiple files and directories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the software version comparison problem into hierarchical components: data trees representing file systems, nodes representing files or directories, and similarity levels (no match, weak match, fair match, exact match) for classification. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex software version comparisons by breaking them down into manageable node-level similarity assessments that can be aggregated to determine overall software changes.
2Measurement precision
If similarity classification is performed at multiple levels (no match, weak match, fair match, exact match), then precise node identification is achieved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a predefined hierarchy of similarity levels (no match, weak match, fair match, exact match) before performing the actual comparison. This pre-established classification framework guides the comparison process, allowing the system to efficiently categorize nodes without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the comparison operation.
3Reliability
If fingerprint matching is used for node identification, then precise matching is achieved, but data processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fingerprints as an intermediary representation of file content. Instead of directly comparing entire files or complex data structures, the system computes fingerprints (hash values) that serve as compact proxies. This intermediary approach maintains high matching reliability while significantly reducing the computational time required for node identification during tree delta encoding.
Data Source
AI summary
Similarity between files nodes of two data tree may be classified based on file names, file paths, and file values. Similarity between directory nodes of two data trees. Responsive to similarity between a file node of a data tree being classified within a no match level: (1) a matching file node of the other data tree may be identified based fingerprints, and (2) a file-node delta may be determined between the file node and the matching file node. A delta between the two data trees may be generated based on the classification of similarity between the file nodes, the classification of similarity between the directory nodes, and the file-node delta.