Object Categorization via Fact Existence Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Categorizing data from diverse sources is challenging due to inconsistencies and incomplete information, making it difficult to determine the appropriate category for objects.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that categorize objects based on the existence of associated facts, using a data structure where each object is stored with multiple facts, and a janitor process that normalizes and merges facts to determine categories, even in situations with incomplete information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data is gathered from diverse sources, then the quantity and variety of information increases, but the consistency and completeness of information decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments information into discrete facts associated with objects, where each fact is an independent unit with specific attributes. This segmentation allows the system to handle incomplete information gracefully by working with available facts rather than requiring complete object descriptions, thus resolving the contradiction between quantity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of categorization from requiring complete object information to using the existence pattern of facts. By shifting from value-based categorization to existence-based categorization, the system can effectively categorize objects even when information is incomplete or inconsistent across diverse sources.
2Measurement precision
If traditional categorization methods are used requiring complete information, then categorization accuracy may be high, but the ability to handle diverse data sources decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional categorization approach by not requiring complete object information to determine category. Instead of asking 'do we have enough information about this object?', the system asks 'what facts do we have about this object?' and categorizes based on the pattern of existing facts, enabling handling of diverse data sources while maintaining categorization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces facts as an intermediary between objects and categories. Rather than directly categorizing objects based on complete information, the system uses facts as a mediator - objects are described by facts, and categories are determined by the existence patterns of these facts, enabling versatile handling of diverse data sources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If objects are stored with multiple facts regardless of category, then data flexibility increases, but the complexity of determining categories increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service categorization where the system automatically determines object categories based on the existence patterns of associated facts, without requiring manual intervention or complex external classification systems. This automation reduces the perceived complexity while maintaining data flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent simplifies category determination by changing the parameter from analyzing complete object descriptions to analyzing the existence pattern of facts. This parameter change transforms a potentially complex categorization problem into a simpler pattern-matching problem based on which facts exist for each object.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for categorizing objects on the basis of the existence of the facts describing those objects. Objects may be stored in the collection regardless of their category, and each object may have any number of facts associated with it. The objects are then categorized on the basis of their data structure, that is, on the basis of the existence of the facts associated with that object.