Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for selectively supplying the latest versions of portions of a source database to each of a plurality of uniquely identifiable target entities where some target entities may have access to portions completely different from those portions to which other target entities are entitled to receive. The data receiving target entity provides an indication of the time stamp and revision indications of all material presently available to the receiving entity along with the unique identifier of the receiving entity. The source returns a table of all material that a requesting entity is entitled to access along with an indication of data that has changed since the last update for the requesting entity. The requesting entity then selects from the table the desired data items to be received and obtains same from the source database.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for and a method of retrieving data from a displayed source document and displaying a listing of segments of text, accompanying data located in the source document, as a result of a given query in a displayed results document. The portion of the source document, from which a given listing is retrieved, can be selected for display from the results document. Material to be transferred to a displayed destination document may be selected from either the source or the results document. The destination document will typically be of a different format than the source document. Editing of the transferred material may be performed in the destination document. Further, a review of the listing of material in the results document from which inserted material was selected may be obtained while that portion of the destination document is being examined.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for comparing CAD (computer aided design) design data comprising one or more components with a set of design rules generated relative said components and generating an output report of detected discrepancies. The output may include data (annotations) used to generate a visually high-lighted (red-lined) display whereby the CAD generated design errors may be easily ascertained. The apparatus includes the capability of transmitting the CAD data, converted to a standardized XML format, from a remote CAD design site to a difference engine site having the latest set of rules relative said components. The difference engine site may then return the results to the remote CAD design site for use by the device design operator. The results returned may be visually displayed in red-lined format as well as in an itemized list.