Patent ID: 7328430
Filing Date: 2008-02-05
Classification: G06F,G06K,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for performing lexical analysis with a lexical analyzer running in a memory of a processor, the method comprising the steps of: (a) creating a first table in the memory, wherein said first table describes one or more single character transitions using records of a first type; (b) creating a second table in the memory, wherein said second table is an ordered series of records of a second type; (c) receiving a text input into the lexical analyzer; (d) searching said records in said first table for a matching record against each successive character of said text input; (e) if said matching record for said text input is found in said first table, outputting a token associated with said matching record; (f) responsive to a failure to find said matching record in said first table, searching said records in said second table from the beginning for said matching record against said each successive character of said text input, wherein said matching record is found when a current state of the lexical analyzer lies between an upper state bound and a lower state bound and said each successive character of said text input lies between an upper character bound and a lower character bound as specified in each said record being searched in said second table; and (g) if said matching record is found in said second table, assigning a current state of the lexical analyzer a value of an ending state field of said matching record.