Abstract: Semantic object characterization and its use in indexing and searching a database directory is presented. In general, a first binary hash code is generated to represent a first representation or view of a semantic object which when compared to a characterized version of a second representation or view of the same semantic object in the form of a second binary hash code, the first and second binary hash codes exhibit a degree of similarity indicative of the objects being the same object. In one implementation the semantic objects correspond to peoples' names and the first and second representations or views correspond to two different languages. Thus, a user can search a database of information in one language with a search query in another language.

Abstract: Personal name spelling correction suggestion technique embodiments are presented which provide suggestions for alternate spellings of a personal name. This involves creating a personal name directory which can be queried to suggest spelling corrections for personal names. A hash function that maps any personal name in a particular language and misspellings thereof to similar binary codewords is used to produce one or more binary codewords for each personal name in the directory. The same hash function is used to produce one or more binary codewords from a personal name presented in a query. The personal name directory is employed to identify up to a prescribed number of personal names, each of which has one or more associated binary codewords that are similar to one or more of the binary codewords produced from the personal name query. The identified personal names are suggested as alternate names for the query personal name.

Abstract: Personal name spelling correction suggestion technique embodiments are presented which provide suggestions for alternate spellings of a personal name. This involves creating a personal name directory which can be queried to suggest spelling corrections for personal names. A hash function that maps any personal name in a particular language and misspellings thereof to similar binary codewords is used to produce one or more binary codewords for each personal name in the directory. The same hash function is used to produce one or more binary codewords from a personal name presented in a query. The personal name directory is employed to identify up to a prescribed number of personal names, each of which has one or more associated binary codewords that are similar to one or more of the binary codewords produced from the personal name query. The identified personal names are suggested as alternate names for the query personal name.

Abstract: Semantic object characterization and its use in indexing and searching a database directory is presented. In general, a first binary hash code is generated to represent a first representation or view of a semantic object which when compared to a characterized version of a second representation or view of the same semantic object in the form of a second binary hash code, the first and second binary hash codes exhibit a degree of similarity indicative of the objects being the same object. In one implementation the semantic objects correspond to peoples' names and the first and second representations or views correspond to two different languages. Thus, a user can search a database of information in one language with a search query in another language.