Entity Detection in Unstructured Data via Probabilistic Scoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in detecting entities within unstructured data, particularly when entities are referred to without explicit identifiers, and distinguishing between names and numbers, which becomes increasingly difficult as the amount of data grows, leading to confusion and inaccurate identification.

Innovation Solution

A probabilistic approach using a name probability source, a known entity database, and historical context information to calculate entity scores for terms in unstructured data, enabling the identification of known and unknown entities by weighing probabilities from these sources to determine if terms refer to entities of interest.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional entity detection methods are used, then known entities with explicit identifiers can be detected, but entities referred to without explicit identifiers cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveentity detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection coverage for unknown entities
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical matching systems with a probabilistic computational model. Instead of relying on explicit identifier matching, the system uses name probability sources and historical context to calculate entity scores for terms in unstructured data, enabling detection of both known and unknown entities through statistical inference rather than direct matching

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary probabilistic scoring mechanism between the raw unstructured data and entity identification. The name probability source and historical context information serve as intermediaries that transform vague term references into structured entity detections, bridging the gap between unstructured data and reliable entity recognition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If more data is processed to improve detection coverage, then more entities can be identified, but the difficulty of distinguishing between names and numbers increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamount of data processedVSAvoiddistinction between names and numbers
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from binary classification (name vs. number) to continuous probabilistic scoring. By calculating entity scores based on name probability sources and historical context, the system can distinguish between names and numbers on a spectrum rather than through rigid categories, making the distinction easier even as data volume increases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates historical context information as feedback that continuously refines the entity detection process. The system uses previously identified entities and their contextual relationships to adjust and improve the detection of current terms, making the distinction between names and numbers more accurate as more data is processed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If probabilistic scoring is used to improve entity identification, then unknown entities can be detected, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection of unknown entitiesVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex entity detection problem into separate manageable components: name probability source processing, historical context analysis, and entity score calculation. Each component operates independently on specific aspects of the data, reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining the ability to detect unknown entities through the integration of these segmented processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11562008B2Detection of entities in unstructured data
Publication Date: 2023.01.24 MICRO FOCUS LLC
  • US11562008B2 patent drawing
  • US11562008B2 patent drawing
  • US11562008B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Examples herein involve detection of entities in unstructured data. Terms are extracted from unstructured data. Entities scores for the terms are calculated using information from a name probability source, a known entity database, and historical context information. The entity scores indicate a probability that the respective terms refer to entities. The presence of detected entities are indicated based on the entity scores.