Language-specific String Comparator (usu)

This comparison function is a custom version of a generic string comparison function. It is similar to the simplex uncertainty comparison function, us, but is based in Unicode to enable multilingual support. This locale-oriented comparator recognizes the nuances of each language and supports the complexities and subtleties of each. For example, when configured to use the German language set, the function recognizes “ß” and “ss” as equivalent. Like the simplex uncertainty function, the Unicode function takes into account such uncertainty factors as string length, transpositions, key punch errors, and visual memory errors. This comparison function takes the parameter described in Table 38.