Weighted Quantile Threshold Determination for Time-Series Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining dynamic thresholds in time-series data are ineffective in handling outliers and capturing cyclical patterns, leading to inaccurate threshold settings and slow convergence in response to data changes.

Innovation Solution

The method involves transforming time-series data by reducing outliers, dividing it into discrete intervals, applying cycles, weighting the data, and calculating thresholds from the weighted means and variances to ensure accurate and dynamic threshold determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional threshold determination methods are used, then the process is simple, but the thresholds are inaccurate and do not capture cyclical patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreshold accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The time-series data is divided into discrete time intervals or bins, allowing the analysis to be performed on segmented portions of the data. This segmentation enables the capture of temporal patterns and cycles while maintaining computational tractability through structured processing of divided data sets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The threshold determination method dynamically adjusts thresholds based on weighted quantile analysis of time-series data, allowing the thresholds to adapt to changing data patterns and cyclical behaviors. The weighting scheme enables the system to respond dynamically to recent data while incorporating historical patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If all time-series data is used for threshold determination, then more data is available for analysis, but outliers significantly impact threshold accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreshold accuracyVSAvoidoutlier impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The method extracts specific quantile portions of the time-series data for threshold determination, effectively separating the relevant data portions from outliers. By focusing on specific quantiles (e.g., 10th percentile for lower threshold, 90th percentile for upper threshold), the method excludes extreme values that would otherwise distort the threshold calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The weighting scheme converts the potential harm of using all data (including outliers) into a benefit by assigning appropriate weights that diminish the influence of extreme values. The weighted quantile analysis transforms the complete data set into a useful form where recent relevant data has higher impact while historical and extreme data contribute appropriately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed thresholds are used, then the system is stable, but the thresholds cannot adapt to changes in data patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreshold adaptabilityVSAvoidthreshold stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The threshold determination method implements dynamic thresholds through weighted quantile analysis, where the weights allow the system to adapt to changing data patterns while maintaining stability through the structured incorporation of historical data. The dynamic nature is achieved through the weighting scheme that balances recent and historical observations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The method incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously analyzing time-series data and adjusting thresholds based on the weighted quantile results. The systematic re-evaluation of data patterns provides feedback that enables the thresholds to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining stability through the consistent application of the weighting and quantile analysis framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8171033B2Methods and systems for the determination of thresholds via weighted quantile analysis
Publication Date: 2012.05.01 VMWARE INC
  • US8171033B2 patent drawing
  • US8171033B2 patent drawing
  • US8171033B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for determination of thresholds for time-series data. Data is transformed by reducing outliers, dividing the time series data into discrete time intervals, and taking parts of the data corresponding to the range that the thresholds will bound. If data cycles are known, they may be applied to the data and the resulting sets are weighted. Thresholds are then derived from the weighted means and variances of the sets of weighted data.