Method, data processing system and computer program for comparing floating point numbers
US6789098B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F7/49905
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a method, data processing system and computer program for comparing first and second floating point numbers involving providing a hierarchy of tests arranged to identify from said first and second floating point numbers whether said one or more exception conditions exist. Each test is arranged to generate a hit signal if that test predicts that one or more exception conditions exist. If the executed test generates a hit signal and is not the final test in the hierarchy, the method branches to the next test in the hierarchy, executes that test and returns to the step of determining whether the executed test has generated a hit signal. If the executed test generates a hit signal and is the final test in the hierarchy, an exception signal is generated indicating the presence of one or more exception conditions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.