Multivariate Relationship Detection for Ordinal Nonlinear Correlations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multivariate analysis methods struggle to effectively identify and visualize non-linear relationships between qualitative variables of ordinal scales, relying heavily on human judgment and failing to objectively detect such relationships.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to quantify relationships between qualitative variables using a correlation index, which calculates a correlation index Z and sub-correlation index Zsub to objectively detect and visualize positive, negative, or non-linear relationships between variables, utilizing a mathematical formula to analyze changes in occupancy probabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If human judgment is used to identify relationships between variables, then flexibility in analysis is maintained, but objectivity and reliability of detection deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobjectivity of relationship detectionVSAvoidcomplexity of analysis method

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces human judgment (mechanical/cognitive process) with an automated mathematical formula-based detection system. The correlation index calculation objectively quantifies relationships between variables, eliminating subjective human interpretation while maintaining analytical flexibility through the mathematical framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a correlation index as a new parameter to quantify relationships between variables. By transforming qualitative variable relationships into measurable parameters (correlation indices), the system achieves objective detection while the mathematical formulation maintains flexibility for different variable types and relationship patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If traditional multivariate analysis methods are used, then existing analytical frameworks are maintained, but ability to detect non-linear relationships deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of relationship detectionVSAvoidcapability to handle non-linear relationships

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the relationship detection process into two components: a correlation index that captures non-linear patterns and a mathematical formula that provides precise measurement. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex non-linear relationships while maintaining measurement precision through the formalized calculation framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite approach combining traditional statistical methods with new mathematical formulations specifically designed for non-linear relationships. The correlation index integrates multiple aspects of variable relationships (linear and non-linear) into a unified measurement system that maintains precision while expanding adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of information

If detailed analysis of each variable category is performed, then granularity of insights is improved, but processing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegranularity of relationship insightsVSAvoidtime for relationship detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the analysis of individual variable categories into a unified correlation index calculation. Instead of processing each category separately and then synthesizing results, the mathematical formula simultaneously captures relationships across all categories, maintaining granular insights while reducing processing time through integrated computation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250384109A1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer program

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Provided is an information processing apparatus that performs processing for presenting a relationship between variables in multivariate analysis. The information processing apparatus includes a detection unit that detects a combination of two variables having a characteristic relationship in multivariate analysis, and a presentation unit that presents information regarding the characteristic relationship between the two variables. The detection unit detects whether or not there is a characteristic relationship including at least one of a positive correlation, a negative correlation, or a non-linear relationship as the entire variables on the basis of the relationship between the explanatory variable and the explained variable for each of the two consecutive categories of the explanatory variable, and further quantifies the relationship between the explanatory variable and the explained variable as the entire variables.