Automated Record Merging Using Hierarchical Code Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for locating and merging lost and found records require manual comparison of data fields, which is inefficient and prone to errors, especially when dealing with misspelled or variant terms.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize hierarchical keywords and codes to match and merge data fields in lost and found records, assigning generic and product codes to facilitate automated comparison and generation of a merged record, with differing terms presented in a distinct format for clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual comparison of data fields is used to match lost and found records, then flexibility in handling various terms is maintained, but the process becomes inefficient and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the matching process by changing parameters from manual text comparison to automated code-based comparison. Lost and found records are assigned hierarchical codes (generic codes and product codes) that represent standardized categories. The system then matches records by comparing these codes rather than manually comparing descriptive text, which dramatically improves both efficiency and accuracy while handling misspelled or variant terms through the standardized coding structure.
2Measurement precision
If hierarchical codes are assigned to facilitate automated matching, then matching accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the item classification system into hierarchical levels: generic codes representing broad categories and product codes representing specific items. This segmentation allows the system to match records at appropriate levels of detail without requiring complete precision at every level. The segmented structure simplifies the matching process by breaking down complex descriptive comparisons into manageable code comparisons across hierarchical levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The hierarchical codes serve as intermediaries between the original descriptive text in lost/found records and the automated matching system. Instead of directly comparing varied and potentially misspelled descriptive terms, the system translates descriptions into standardized codes that act as mediators. This intermediary layer eliminates the need for complex text processing while maintaining matching accuracy.
3Speed
If automated code-based matching is implemented, then processing speed increases, but handling of misspelled terms becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by assigning hierarchical codes to items during the initial recording phase, before matching is needed. When a lost or found item is recorded, its description is analyzed and assigned appropriate generic and product codes upfront. This preliminary coding ensures that even if the descriptive text contains misspellings or variants, the standardized codes are already in place to enable accurate automated matching later without requiring additional text processing.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system, method, and apparatus to generate a merged record comprises: a client server configured to generate a first report having at least one internal term and at least one descriptive term and a recovery server configured to: receive the first report, associate the at least one internal term with at least one of a plurality of public terms, associate the at least one descriptive term with a generic code or a product code, and associate the at least one descriptive term with at least one main code, the associated main code based upon the associated generic code or product code.