Object Clustering via Link Counts and Triangular Inequality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large datasets of objects, such as business partners and products, pose challenges in analysis due to duplication and complexity, making it difficult to generate consolidated views for company-wide analysis and reporting, with existing clustering methods being computationally intensive.

Innovation Solution

A data analysis system that performs clustering processes based on distance measurements, using either a first clustering process that compares all objects or a second process that utilizes circular structures to reduce comparisons, selecting the appropriate method based on a triangular inequality condition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a first clustering process that compares all objects is used, then clustering accuracy is improved, but computational resources and time are excessively consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclustering accuracyVSAvoidcomputational time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the clustering process into two distinct approaches: a first clustering process that compares all objects for high accuracy, and a second clustering process that uses circular structures for faster computation. The system selectively applies the appropriate segmentation based on the triangular inequality condition, thereby resolving the contradiction between accuracy and computational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic clustering system that adapts its approach based on the triangular inequality condition. When the condition is satisfied, the system dynamically switches to the more efficient second clustering process; when not satisfied, it uses the comprehensive first clustering process. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting the method based on data characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a second clustering process using circular structures is used, then computational efficiency is improved, but clustering accuracy may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclustering speedVSAvoidclustering accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The triangular inequality condition acts as an intermediary that mediates between the two clustering processes. It determines when the simplified second clustering process (using circular structures) is sufficient for maintaining accuracy while improving speed, and when the comprehensive first clustering process is necessary. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by providing a decision criterion for selecting the appropriate method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of comparison completeness based on the triangular inequality condition. When the condition is satisfied, it reduces the comparison parameter from all object pairs to only those within circular structures, thereby improving speed while maintaining sufficient accuracy. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If clustering is performed on large datasets, then comprehensive analysis coverage is improved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata coverageVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the computational approach based on dataset characteristics by evaluating the triangular inequality condition. For large datasets where the condition is satisfied, it uses the segmented second clustering process with circular structures, reducing computational complexity while maintaining coverage of all objects. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between data coverage and computational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second clustering process performs partial comparisons (only within circular structures) rather than exhaustive comparisons of all object pairs. This partial action is sufficient when the triangular inequality condition is satisfied, thereby reducing computational complexity while still achieving comprehensive clustering coverage for large datasets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10984022B2Clustering process for objects using link counts
Publication Date: 2021.04.20 SAP SE
  • US10984022B2 patent drawing
  • US10984022B2 patent drawing
  • US10984022B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In some embodiments, a method receives a set of objects for creating clusters based on a similarity measure between the objects and generates a data structure for the objects. The method generates link counts for objects by constructing links between objects in the set of objects based on entries between the objects. A link is constructed between the objects when the entry for the respective objects includes a first value. An object is selected that has a largest link count. The link count being a number of objects that are linked to the selected object. A cluster is created including the selected object and any objects that are linked to the selected object via the links. Then, the objects in the cluster are removed from the set of objects and a link count is reduced for objects that are linked to the removed objects. This process is continued for remaining objects.