Abstract: A method of processing a sequence of characters, the method comprising converting the sequence of characters into a sequence of tokens so that each token comprises a lexeme and one of a plurality of token types. Each of the plurality of token types relates to at least one of a plurality of predetermined functions, wherein at least one said token type relates to multiple functions of the plurality of predetermined functions.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a sequence of tokens to detect predetermined data, wherein each said token has a token type, and the predetermined data has a structure that comprises a predetermined sequence of token types, including at least one optional token type. The apparatus comprises a processor arranged to: provide a tree for detecting the predetermined data, the tree comprising a plurality of states, each said state being linked with at least one other state by a respective condition, the arrangement of linked states forming a plurality of paths; and compare the token types of the sequence of tokens to respective conditions in the tree to match the sequence of tokens to one or more paths in the tree, wherein the predetermined data can be detected without using an epsilon reduction to take account of said at least one optional token type.

Abstract: A method of processing a sequence of characters, the method comprising converting the sequence of characters into a sequence of tokens so that each token comprises a lexeme and one of a plurality of token types. Each of the plurality of token types relates to at least one of a plurality of predetermined functions, wherein at least one said token type relates to multiple functions of the plurality of predetermined functions.

Abstract: A method of processing a sequence of characters, the method comprising converting the sequence of characters into a sequence of tokens so that each token comprises a lexeme and one of a plurality of token types. Each of the plurality of token types relates to at least one of a plurality of predetermined functions, wherein at least one said token type relates to multiple functions of the plurality of predetermined functions.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a sequence of tokens to detect predetermined data, wherein each said token has a token type, and the predetermined data has a structure that comprises a predetermined sequence of token types, including at least one optional token type. The apparatus comprises a processor arranged to: provide a tree for detecting the predetermined data, the tree comprising a plurality of states, each said state being linked with at least one other state by a respective condition, the arrangement of linked states forming a plurality of paths; and compare the token types of the sequence of tokens to respective conditions in the tree to match the sequence of tokens to one or more paths in the tree, wherein the predetermined data can be detected without using an epsilon reduction to take account of said at least one optional token type.

Abstract: A computer-based method for identifying patterns in computer text using structures defining types of patterns which are to be identified, wherein a structure comprises one or more definition items, the method comprising assigning a weighting to each structure and each definition item; searching the computer text for a pattern to be identified on the basis of a particular structure, a pattern being provisionally identified if it matches the definition given by said particular structure; in a provisionally identified pattern, determining those of the definition items making up said particular structure that have been identified in the provisionally identified pattern; combining the weightings of the determined definition items and optionally, the weighting of the particular structure, to a single quantity; assessing whether the single quantity fulfils a given condition; depending on the result of said assessment, rejecting or confirming the provisionally identified pattern.

Abstract: A computer-based method for identifying patterns in computer text using structures defining types of patterns which are to be identified, wherein a structure comprises one or more definition items, the method comprising assigning a weighting to each structure and each definition item; searching the computer text for a pattern to be identified on the basis of a particular structure, a pattern being provisionally identified if it matches the definition given by said particular structure; in a provisionally identified pattern, determining those of the definition items making up said particular structure that have been identified in the provisionally identified pattern; combining the weightings of the determined definition items and optionally, the weighting of the particular structure, to a single quantity; assessing whether the single quantity fulfils a given condition; depending on the result of said assessment, rejecting or confirming the provisionally identified pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a sequence of tokens to detect predetermined data, wherein each said token has a token type, and the predetermined data has a structure that comprises a predetermined sequence of token types, including at least one optional token type. The apparatus comprises a processor arranged to: provide a tree for detecting the predetermined data, the tree comprising a plurality of states, each said state being linked with at least one other state by a respective condition, the arrangement of linked states forming a plurality of paths; and compare the token types of the sequence of tokens to respective conditions in the tree to match the sequence of tokens to one or more paths in the tree, wherein the predetermined data can be detected without using an epsilon reduction to take account of said at least one optional token type.

Abstract: A method of processing a sequence of characters, the method comprising converting the sequence of characters into a sequence of tokens so that each token comprises a lexeme and one of a plurality of token types. Each of the plurality of token types relates to at least one of a plurality of predetermined functions, wherein at least one said token type relates to multiple functions of the plurality of predetermined functions.

Abstract: A computer-based method for identifying patterns in computer text using structures defining types of patterns which are to be identified, wherein a structure comprises one or more definition items, the method comprising assigning a weighting to each structure and each definition item; searching the computer text for a pattern to be identified on the basis of a particular structure, a pattern being provisionally identified if it matches the definition given by said particular structure; in a provisionally identified pattern, determining those of the definition items making up said particular structure that have been identified in the provisionally identified pattern; combining the weightings of the determined definition items and optionally, the weighting of the particular structure, to a single quantity; assessing whether the single quantity fulfils a given condition; depending on the result of said assessment, rejecting or confirming the provisionally identified pattern.