Identifying entity representations based on a search query using field match templates

摘要

A method of, identifying an entity representation in a universal database that corresponds to a foreign entity representation in a foreign database comprises constructing field match templates, and storing multiple records sorted in a list (in distributed tables) according to the field match templates. Each record is associated with entity representations. A field match template comprises a fixed field portion, an optional field portion and an extra-credit field portion. A query is received for identifying or constraining field values and associated with a record in a foreign database. The query is compared with the field values of distributed tables to identify an entity representation in a universal database based on field designations by the field match template. An identifier is outputted for the identified entity representation by a computing apparatus. Certain embodiments provide assurance, with a known probability of error, that the entity representation identified in the universal database is correct.