US Patent 9740743 Matching objects using keys based on match rules

Matching objects using keys based on match rules is described. A system generates a match rule key based on a match rule, wherein the match rule specifies whether two objects match. The system creates candidate keys by applying the match rule key to data objects. The system creates a probe key by applying the match rule key to a probe object. The system determines whether the probe key matches a candidate key. The system determines whether the probe object matches a candidate object based on applying the match rule to the probe object and the candidate object if the probe key matches the candidate key corresponding to the candidate object. The system identifies the probe object and the candidate object as matching based on the match rule if the probe object matches the candidate object.