Ternary Content Addressable Memory Approximate Match Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current identity resolution methods are inefficient in rapidly determining approximate matches within large databases, as they often require exact matches and struggle with variations in data from different sources, whether intentional or unintentional.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a ternary content addressable memory (TCAM) architecture with control logic for progressively discriminating data-masking and scoring, which enables fast and accurate identification of approximate matches by using global and local masking, weighting, and wildcard detection to rank potential matches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional exact match methods are used for identity resolution, then search precision is maintained, but search speed deteriorates and the system cannot handle variations in data from multiple sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the matching process into multiple passes with increasing discrimination. The first pass uses permissive matching to identify potential matches rapidly, while subsequent passes apply progressively stricter criteria to refine results. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high speed in the initial screening and high precision in the final matching, resolving the contradiction between search speed and adaptability to data variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic masking where the level of discrimination is adjusted based on the search stage and results. The control logic dynamically applies data masking to hide certain bits during early passes and reveals them in later passes. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt its matching criteria in real-time, achieving both rapid initial matching and precise final matching, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If progressively discriminating data-masking is applied in TCAM search, then match precision is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-charging match lines and pre-configuring masking patterns before the actual search operation. The control logic prepares multiple masking patterns in advance and selects the appropriate pattern based on the search stage. This preliminary preparation reduces the complexity of real-time decision-making during the search, allowing high precision matching without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple levels of masking are applied in sequence, with each level building on the previous one. The control logic contains nested stages of discrimination, where inner stages refine the results of outer stages. This nested organization allows the complex matching process to be structured in a manageable way, achieving high precision while keeping the control logic organized and efficient.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wildcard detection and scoring mechanisms are implemented, then approximate match capability is enhanced, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces match counters as intermediary elements that mediate between the TCAM matching process and the final result determination. These counters accumulate match scores across multiple passes and masking levels, providing a simple mechanism to evaluate approximate matches. The intermediaries translate the complex multi-pass matching process into simple counting operations, enhancing approximate match capability without proportionally increasing circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simplified copy mechanisms to replicate match line states and propagate results through the scoring system. Instead of complex circuitry to evaluate all possible match variations, the system creates simplified copies of match states and uses these to drive the scoring process. This copying approach allows the system to handle wildcard detection and approximate matching with relatively simple circuitry, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Ternary content addressable memory (TCAM) structures and methods of use are disclosed. The memory architecture includes one or more ternary content addressable memory (TCAM) fields, and control logic that applies progressively discriminating data-masking and scores a closeness of a match based on matched and mismatched bits.