Regression Nomogram Layout for Clear Positive and Negative Terms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nomograms in existing regression analysis methods do not intuitively express the value of each term, particularly when regression coefficients take both positive and negative values, leading to unclear magnitude relationships.

Innovation Solution

A method is developed to create a nomogram where the direction of line segments representing attribute values and regression coefficients is determined by the sign of the regression coefficient, ensuring positive coefficients extend in one direction and negative coefficients in the opposite direction, clearly indicating the sign of each term.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the nomogram uses traditional representation methods for regression coefficients, then the structure remains simple, but the clarity of expressing positive and negative coefficients deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclarity of regression coefficient signsVSAvoidnomogram structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes by using different colors to represent positive and negative regression coefficients. Positive coefficients are displayed in one color (e.g., blue) while negative coefficients are displayed in another color (e.g., red). This visual differentiation allows users to immediately identify the sign of each coefficient without additional numerical indicators, resolving the contradiction between information clarity and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetry by positioning regression coefficients at different locations relative to the attribute scales based on their signs. Positive coefficients are placed on one side of the attribute scale while negative coefficients are placed on the opposite side. This asymmetric arrangement creates an intuitive visual pattern where the position itself encodes the sign information, making the nomogram both clear and relatively simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of operation

If the nomogram does not indicate the sign of regression coefficients, then the structure remains simple, but the intuitiveness of term values deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintuitiveness of regression formula termsVSAvoidnomogram structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By assigning different colors to positive and negative coefficients, the nomogram provides immediate visual feedback about the sign of each term. Users can quickly understand whether a coefficient increases or decreases the predicted value without needing to read additional numerical signs, significantly improving intuitiveness while adding minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses color as an intermediary element that mediates between the numerical value and the user's perception. Instead of requiring users to interpret numerical signs, the color serves as an intermediate visual cue that directly conveys the sign information, making the nomogram more intuitive without requiring complex structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4708084A1Analysis device, analysis method, and analysis program
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS INC
  • EP4708084A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4708084A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4708084A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An analysis device according to the embodiment includes a creation unit and an output control unit. The creation unit arranges a line segment indicating a point that is a product of an attribute value of a regression model obtained by regression analysis by secure computation and a regression coefficient in a direction corresponding to a sign of the corresponding regression coefficient and creates a nomogram in which the point is plotted at a position corresponding to a target point on the line segment. The output control unit outputs the created nomogram.