Abstract: A mechanism is provided in a first client for approximate linkage of datasets over quasi-identifiers. The mechanism receives a generalization logic data structure representing sets of values for each quasi-identifier in a first dataset of the first client. For each record in the first dataset, the mechanism generates at least one generalization of a value of a given quasi-identifier in the first dataset based on a selected generalization logic data structure corresponding to the given quasi-identifier and generates a generalized record for each of the at least one generalization to form a first generalized dataset. The mechanism sends the first generalized dataset to a semi-trusted third party for approximate linkage of the first dataset with a second dataset of a second client, receives an approximate join result from the semi-trusted third party, performs post-processing on the approximate join result, and determines a final linkage result based on the post-processing.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided in a first client for approximate linkage of datasets over quasi-identifiers. The mechanism receives a generalization logic data structure representing sets of values for each quasi-identifier in a first dataset of the first client. For each record in the first dataset, the mechanism generates at least one generalization of a value of a given quasi-identifier in the first dataset based on a selected generalization logic data structure corresponding to the given quasi-identifier and generates a generalized record for each of the at least one generalization to form a first generalized dataset. The mechanism sends the first generalized dataset to a semi-trusted third party for approximate linkage of the first dataset with a second dataset of a second client, receives an approximate join result from the semi-trusted third party, performs post-processing on the approximate join result, and determines a final linkage result based on the post-processing.

Abstract: The optical waveguide coupler device is formed on two laterally adjacent optical fibers for splitting with wavelength-flattened ratios an incident light intensity into the two fibers. Adjacent sections of the two fibers are fused together and first and second concatenated tapered portions are formed. These two tapered portions are separated by a central optical waveguide portion including two parallel branches of slightly different lengths, each capable of propagating a light signal from either tapered portion to the other. The first and second tapered portions define optical waveguide couplers presenting coupling ratios varying with optical wavelength in accordance with different curves. The different lengths of the two parallel branches of the central portion cause a shift .phi. between the phases of the optical signals propagating through these two branches. The coupling ratios of the tapered portions and the phase shift .phi. are selected to wavelength-flatten the coupling ratios of the coupler device.