Pattern-based comparison and merging of model versions
First Claim
1. A software tool for computing and displaying differences in at least two object oriented workspaces compared and for reconciling the differences by merging the workspaces comprising:
- at least one object association graph used as a modeled template for defining the nodes and node paths involved in the difference computation;
a data tree structure for displaying element hierarchy symmetrically in each of the compared workspaces;
an executable function for merging the separate workspaces to reconcile the found differences; and
an interactive user display window for visualizing and directing the process;
characterized in that a user monitors the data structures in each workspace from the display window and executes the difference and merge operations through interaction with the data structure.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A software tool for computing and displaying differences in at least two object oriented workspaces compared and for reconciling the differences by merging the workspaces has at least one object association graph used as a modeled template for defining the nodes and node paths involved in the difference computation, a data tree structure for displaying element hierarchy symmetrically in each of the compared workspaces, an executable function for merging the separate workspaces to reconcile the found differences, and an interactive user display window for visualizing and directing the process. The tool is characterized in that a user monitors the data structures in each workspace from the display window and executes the difference and merge operations through interaction with the data structure.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A software tool for computing and displaying differences in at least two object oriented workspaces compared and for reconciling the differences by merging the workspaces comprising:
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at least one object association graph used as a modeled template for defining the nodes and node paths involved in the difference computation;
a data tree structure for displaying element hierarchy symmetrically in each of the compared workspaces;
an executable function for merging the separate workspaces to reconcile the found differences; and
an interactive user display window for visualizing and directing the process;
characterized in that a user monitors the data structures in each workspace from the display window and executes the difference and merge operations through interaction with the data structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for computing differences and reconciling the differences associated with at least two separate workspaces of an object oriented software system comprising steps of:
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(a) developing at least one model association graph specifying the nodes, attributes and properties used as a template for comparison of the workspace objects;
(b) establishing a difference tree structure of nodes and attributes for presentation of each workspace to be compared;
(c) executing a difference computation at a root node within the source workspace, the computation progressing down the sub-tree of the root node in compared workspaces;
(d) displaying differences if any in the tree structures of the workspaces; and
(e) executing at least one merge operation if differences are found by interacting with the displayed tree structure at the node containing the differences, the merge operation progressing down the sub-trees of the activated node represented in the compared workspaces. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A modeling structure for modeling meta models representing object association graphs used as templates in difference and merge computations between at least 2 object oriented workspaces of an object oriented software system comprising:
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a pattern node for specifying a meta object, the pattern node mapping to the meta object;
a pattern edge node representing an in or out association of the pattern node, the pattern edge node for modeling at least one meta association of the meta object; and
a pattern property node of the pattern node, the pattern property node for modeling at least one meta property of the meta object;
characterized in that the pattern model is a meta meta model abstraction and meta models defined as instances of the pattern model specify the object association graphs for use in the difference and merge operations between the workspaces. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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Specification