Phonetic Coding Algorithms, Soundex and NYSIIS

Phonetic coding, generically referred to as "Soundex", is often used to enable retrieval of information from data processing systems. R. C. Russell developed the Soundex algorithm to processes data collected from the 1890 census. Known as the Russell Soundex algorithm numerous variants have been employed for genealogy studies and retrieval systems.

New York State Identification and Intelligence Algorithm (NYSIIS)
In 1970 the New York State Identification and Intelligence project headed by Robert L. Taft published the paper "Name Search Techniques". In this paper he compared Soundex with a new phonetic routine (NYSIIS) that was designed through rigorous empirical analysis.

The NYSIIS project concluded that:

* In 1998 the New York State Division of Criminal Justice the agency responsible for the NYSIIS project replaced the NYSIIS engine with NameSearch®

NameSearch's intelligent phonetic routines have been proven to have increased accuracy while decreasing selectivity as compared to NYSIIS.

Traditional solutions such as Soundex and NYSIIS used for solving name variations only deal with phonetic errors. These solutions involved the standardization of easily confused sounds. For example, PH's would be treated as F's. Linguistic rules were generated to phonetically tokenize a name. These phonetically tokenized words served as the basis for name retrieval. In some instances these rules helped find names that were hard to spell, unfortunately, the distribution pattern of common names became even more skewed. For example, inquiries on John also returned Joan, Jim, Jane, Jimmy, Jenn and other names which fell in the "JAN" phonetic pattern. By aggravating the skew in distribution of names both quality and performance were sacrificed.

Discrepancies caused by phonetic errors account for twenty to twenty five percent of all name variations. Intelligent Search Technology addresses problems due to phonetics by employing analysis routines to determine the extent of phonetic tokenization. This enables NameSearch to overcome problems due to phonetics without the negative consequences incurred with all other methods of name search.

Additional information on phonetic encoding:
Problems caused by phonetic skewed distribution
Phonetic coding NYSIIS VS. Soundex

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