Network Equilibrium Assessment via Median Deviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a general measure to assess the functional status of networks, focusing on aggregate measures rather than interactions between network elements, which is crucial for understanding network dynamics and output.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that measures the state of network elements over time, calculates median values, and determines the departure from equilibrium by comparing the number of elements above and below their median activity, using multi-electrode arrays or magnetoencephalography to assess neural networks and other types of networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If aggregate measures of network elements are used, then measurement simplicity is improved, but measurement precision of network function deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network function measurement into individual element contributions. By measuring each network element's state separately and calculating their individual deviations from median values, the method captures detailed interaction information that aggregate measures would miss, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining relative simplicity through modular calculation steps.
2Measurement precision
If individual element states are measured separately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual element measurements into a unified network function metric. By combining the deviation values of all network elements through summation and applying a transformation function, the method creates a single comprehensive measure that reflects overall network function, thereby reducing the apparent complexity of the measurement system while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Reliability
If median values are calculated for each element, then reliability of equilibrium assessment is improved, but loss of time in processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of median values for each network element during a data collection period. These pre-calculated medians are then stored and reused for subsequent equilibrium assessments, eliminating the need to recalculate medians repeatedly. This preliminary action significantly reduces processing time for ongoing assessments while maintaining the reliability of the equilibrium determination.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for performing a functional assessment of a network is disclosed. The network includes a plurality of interacting network elements. The method includes measuring a state of each of the elements at a plurality of time instances, thereby determining a plurality of state values associated with each of the elements, and calculating for each element an associated median value representing a median of the state values associated with that element. The method further includes identifying for each time instance a first total number of elements with an associated state value at that time instance that is above its median value, and a second total number of elements with an associated state value at that time instance that is below its median value, and determining whether the network has departed from an equilibrium state based on the first total number and the second total number for each time instance.