Universal Object Comparison Technique for System Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing comparison techniques for computing devices are limited in accuracy and versatility, often reporting non-relevant differences due to their file-type specific tools and syntax, which hinders system administrators in diagnosing issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented comparison technique that operates on objects of the same or different types, allowing for order-based or key-based comparisons with specific property specification, generating output that identifies differences or similarities, and enabling pipelining for further processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If file-type specific comparison tools are used for each type of file, then comparison capability for that specific file type is achieved, but versatility and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring multiple different tools and syntaxes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal comparison command that can handle multiple file types (text, binary, configuration files, etc.) through a single interface. This command accepts different input formats and automatically adapts its comparison logic based on the file types being compared, eliminating the need for administrators to learn and switch between multiple specialized tools while maintaining specialized comparison capabilities for each file type
2Measurement precision
If traditional comparison utilities walk through files until a difference is encountered, then comparison speed is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates by reporting non-relevant differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by allowing administrators to specify comparison parameters, properties, and criteria before the actual comparison begins. The system can pre-configure which properties to compare, which files to include or exclude, and what constitutes a relevant difference. This preliminary configuration ensures that only meaningful differences are reported while maintaining efficient comparison throughput by avoiding unnecessary examinations of irrelevant file portions
3Measurement precision
If multiple specialized comparison tools are used for different file types, then measurement precision for each file type is maintained, but device complexity increases due to managing multiple tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple specialized comparison tools into a single unified comparison command. This command internally handles different file types (text, binary, configuration, etc.) with appropriate comparison logic for each type while presenting a consistent interface to the user. The system consolidates what would otherwise require separate executable tools into one integrated solution, reducing system complexity while preserving specialized comparison capabilities through automatic detection and appropriate handling of different file formats
Data Source
AI summary
The present comparison technique operates on objects having the same type, similar types, or different types. Multiple comparison objects may be compared against one or more reference objects. The comparison objects may be obtained from a prior cmdlet in a pipeline of cmdlets operating in an object-based environment. The reference object and comparison object may be compared in an order-based manner or in a key-based manner. In addition, specific properties may be specified which will identify which properties of the reference object and the comparison object to compare during the comparison. The comparison may generate an output that identifies the difference and/or similarities. The output may be pipelined to another cmdlet for further processing.