For example, the Figures A, B, C illustrate methods for comparing structured
text in drawings.

Fig. A: text groups in consecutive blocks of a path 61E are compared, in
the same order of execution, with text groups in a path 62E belonging to
another drawing. The comparison may allow for matches in non-adjacent blocks,
as illustrated.

Fig. B: text groups in consecutive blocks of a path 61E are compared, maybe
not in the same order of execution, with text groups in a path 62E belonging
to another drawing. The comparison may allow for matches in non-adjacent
blocks, and/or not in the same order, as illustrated.

Fig. C: text groups in consecutive blocks of a path 61 are compared with
several paths 62E, 63E, 64E... in another drawing.
For each of the paths 62E..., the methods of Figs. A or B may be used.

Using for example the methods as illustrated with Figs. A, B and C,
structured text may be compared:

1. Define structured text to search. This may include a plurality of words
and/or words groups, and their relation to the drawing. The relation may
include for example:

a. these words are to be searched in a forward path

b. these words are to be searched in a feedback path

c. these words are to be searched in input signals

d. these words are to be searched in output signals

2. Define what is the relationship between the words/words groups, and the
search strategy used, for example one of Figs. A, B and C.
What is the tolerance to individual differences/mismatches in deciding
whether the drawings to match or not.

3. Define Relative importance or weights of the various words/words groups.

4. Perform the search as per the above inputs. The comparison is performed
with one drawing at a time (the terms searched cannot be divided among two or
more drawings).

5. Perform the search as per the above inputs, in several drawings at once,
if the drawings are hierarchically related - that is, one or more drawings
present details of a first drawing.
That is, several drawings may be searched simultaneously and part of the
terms may be permitted in each, when functionally the several drawings
represent just one drawing.

Thus, methods/flow charts can be compared efficiently. Applications:
* Patent searches of methods, software, systems using block diagrams,
distributed computer systems (software and hardware)
* Analyzing a complex patent or application, to improve it for example,
or during examination at a Patent Office.