Method for searching content particularly for extracts common to two computer files

A computer program product, stored in a memory of a central unit of a computer or on a removable medium to cooperate with a reader of said central unit, the program comprising instructions for conducting steps for searching at least one extract common to a first file and to a second file, in the form of binary data, said steps comprising:

• a prior preparation of the first file at least, including the following steps:
• a) segmenting the first file into a succession of data packets, of chosen size, and identifying addresses of packets in said file,
• b) associating with the address of each packet a digital signature defining a fuzzy logic state from among at least three states:
• “true”, “false” and “undetermined”, said signature resulting from a combinatorial calculation on data emanating from said file,
• and the search for common extract, itself, including the following steps:
• c) comparing the fuzzy logic states associated with each packet address of the first file, with fuzzy logic states determined on the basis of data emanating from the second file,
• d) eliminating from said search for common extract, pairs of respective addresses of the first and second files whose respective logic states are “true” and “false” or “false” and “true”, and preserving the other pairs of addresses identifying data packets liable to comprise said common extract.

A data structure stored on a computer-readable storage medium used for a search of at least one extract common to a first and a second file, the data structure being representative of the first file, the data structure being obtained by the implementation of the following steps:

• a) segmenting the first file into a succession of data packets of chosen size, and identifying addresses of packets in said file,
• b) associating with the address of each packet a digital signature defining a fuzzy logic state from among at least three states:
• “true”, “false” and “undetermined”, said signature resulting from a combinatorial calculation on data emanating from said file,
• the data structure thus comprising a succession of addresses identifying addresses of the first file,
• a fuzzy logic state from among the states:
• “true”, “false” and “undetermined”, being assigned to each of said addresses of the data structure,
• c) comparing the fuzzy logic states associated with each packet address of the first file, with fuzzy logic states determined on the basis of data emanating from the second file,
• d) eliminating from said search for common extract, pairs of respective addresses of the first and second files whose respective logic states are “true” and “false” or “false” and “true”, and preserving the other pairs of addresses identifying data packets liable to comprise said common extract.