Data Mining Algorithm for Automated Rule Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Developing data rules for large datasets with millions of records and hundreds of columns is time-consuming and requires significant user effort, often leading to reactive rule creation after business problems arise, rather than proactive issue prevention.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using data mining algorithms, such as association rules and tree classifications, to automatically generate data rules, which are then edited and stored in a repository for validation, allowing for the identification and correction of deviant records.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual coding of data rules is used, then user control and rule accuracy are improved, but user time and effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverule accuracyVSAvoiduser time and effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically generating data rules through data mining algorithms without requiring manual user input. The algorithm autonomously analyzes data patterns, generates candidate rules, and presents them for user approval, eliminating the time-consuming manual rule creation process while maintaining rule quality through automated pattern recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A data mining algorithm acts as an intermediary between the raw data and the user. Instead of the user directly creating rules from data analysis, the algorithm processes the data, extracts patterns, and generates draft rules that the user then reviews and refines. This intermediary step significantly reduces user effort while preserving user control over the final rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If manual analysis of large datasets is performed, then understanding of data patterns is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata pattern understandingVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual data analysis with an automated data mining algorithm. The algorithm computationally processes large datasets to identify patterns, correlations, and anomalies that would be time-consuming for users to discover manually. This substitution maintains comprehensive pattern understanding while dramatically reducing processing time through automated computational methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If data rules are created reactively after problems occur, then rules address immediate issues, but proactive prevention of future problems is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveissue resolution effectivenessVSAvoidproactive problem prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables preliminary action by automatically generating data rules before problems occur. By continuously analyzing data patterns and proactively creating rules that prevent anomalies, the system addresses potential issues before they manifest as business problems. This shifts the approach from reactive problem-solving to proactive prevention while maintaining rule effectiveness through ongoing data mining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If automated data mining is used, then user effort is reduced, but rule accuracy and user control may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverule generation speedVSAvoidrule accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a dynamic rule generation process where the level of automation adapts based on user needs. Users can control the degree of automation by adjusting parameters such as rule confidence thresholds, pattern complexity filters, and review requirements. This dynamic approach allows users to balance between automated efficiency and manual control, ensuring rule accuracy while maintaining high productivity through selective automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7836004B2Using data mining algorithms including association rules and tree classifications to discover data rules
Publication Date: 2010.11.16 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US7836004B2 patent drawing
  • US7836004B2 patent drawing
  • US7836004B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for using a data mining algorithm to discover data rules. A data set including multiple records is processed to generate data rules for the data set. Each record has a record format including a plurality of fields and each rule provides a predicted condition for one field based on at least one predictor condition in at least one other field. The generated data rules are provided to a user interface to enable a user to edit the generated data rules. The data rules are stored in a rule repository to be available to use to validate data sets having the record format.