Student Record Matching Algorithm Using Name Variations and Geography

The patent introduces an intermediary matching system that uses probabilistic algorithms and multiple data points (name variations, DOB, geographic location, enrollment dates) as mediators between secondary and postsecondary records. This intermediary approach allows matching without directly using SSN, thus maintaining privacy law compliance while achieving accurate matches through cumulative evidence from multiple sources.

The patent changes the matching parameters from relying solely on SSN to using a multi-parameter approach including name variations, date of birth, geographic location, and enrollment dates. By transforming the matching criteria from a single precise parameter (SSN) to multiple less precise parameters, the system maintains compliance with privacy laws while achieving comparable or superior matching accuracy through the combination of these parameters.

The patent segments the matching process into distinct modules: name variation handling, date of birth verification, geographic location matching, and enrollment date comparison. Each segment processes one type of data independently, then results are combined to form the final match determination. This segmentation reduces algorithmic complexity by breaking down the complex task into manageable, independent components.

The patent creates a universal matching algorithm that handles multiple types of data (names, dates, locations, enrollment information) through a single integrated system. This multi-functional approach improves reliability by cross-validating matches across multiple data types while maintaining algorithmic efficiency through a unified processing framework rather than separate specialized algorithms for each data type.

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and standardizing data before the actual matching process. Name variations are pre-identified and stored, geographic locations are pre-geocoded, and enrollment date ranges are pre-calculated. This preliminary preparation reduces the computational burden during the actual matching operation, allowing the system to process multiple data points accurately without excessive processing time.

The patent implements a partial matching approach where matches are determined based on sufficient but not necessarily complete agreement on all data points. The system can achieve accurate matches by agreeing on a subset of critical parameters (such as DOB plus one other identifier) rather than requiring exact agreement on all parameters, thus reducing processing time while maintaining high accuracy for the most important matching cases.