Image Representation of Categorical Data for Temporal Pattern Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing predictive data analysis systems are inefficient and unreliable in handling high-dimensional categorical feature spaces and fail to effectively communicate temporal patterns, making them unsuitable for complex input structures and domains that require temporal pattern evolution detection.

Innovation Solution

The method involves generating an image representation of categorical input features by creating image channel representations for each character pattern position, which are then processed to produce expanded, cumulative, historical, and compact event representations, enabling efficient and reliable predictive data analysis using image-based machine learning models like CNNs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing predictive data analysis systems are used to handle high-dimensional categorical feature spaces, then the system structure is simple, but the predictive reliability is poor and computational efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepredictive reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary encoding mechanism that transforms categorical features into a structured numerical representation. This intermediary layer converts high-dimensional categorical data into a format suitable for predictive models, improving reliability without requiring direct complex handling of the original categorical space. The encoding acts as a mediator between the categorical input and the prediction engine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the representation format of categorical features. Instead of using raw categorical values, the system changes the parameters by applying encoding schemes that convert categories into numerical vectors, thereby improving computational efficiency and predictive reliability while maintaining the essential information structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If existing systems process categorical data directly, then the processing method is simple, but the ability to detect temporal patterns is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemporal pattern detection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing temporal dimensions to the categorical data processing. Instead of processing categorical features in isolation, the system adds temporal sequencing information, transforming static categorical data into temporal sequences that enable pattern evolution detection across time periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-processing categorical features into encoded representations before temporal analysis. This preliminary encoding step prepares the data structure in advance, making temporal patterns more detectable and reducing the complexity of subsequent temporal pattern recognition tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If high-dimensional categorical features are processed without transformation, then the data representation is simple, but the computational efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputational efficiencyVSAvoiddata representation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent improves computational efficiency by changing the parameters of categorical data representation. The encoding transformation converts high-dimensional categorical features into a more computationally tractable format, enabling faster processing while preserving the essential information needed for accurate predictions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the processing of high-dimensional categorical features into manageable encoded components. Instead of processing all categorical dimensions simultaneously in their original form, the system segments them through encoding into smaller, more efficient computational units that can be processed faster.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11694424B2Predictive data analysis using image representations of categorical data to determine temporal patterns
Publication Date: 2023.07.04 OPTUM SERVICES IRELAND LTD
  • US11694424B2 patent drawing
  • US11694424B2 patent drawing
  • US11694424B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is a need for more effective and efficient predictive data analysis solutions and/or more effective and efficient solutions for generating image representations of categorical data. In one example, embodiments comprise receiving a categorical input feature, generating an image representation of the categorical input feature, generating an image-based prediction based at least in part on the image representation, and performing one or more prediction-based actions based at least in part on the image-based prediction.