Patent Application
20090063482
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to methodology for utilizing data mining techniques in the area of routing problems solutions.
2. Introduction to the Invention
Data mining techniques are known and include disparate technologies, like neural networks, which can work to an end of efficiently discovering valuable, non-obvious information from a large collection of data. The data, in turn, may arise in fields ranging from e.g., marketing, finance, manufacturing, or retail.
We have now discovered novel methodology for exploiting the advantages inherent generally in data mining technologies, in the particular field of routing problems solutions applications.
Our work proceeds in the following way.
We have recognized that a typical and important “three-part” paradigm for presently effecting routing problems solutions, is a largely subjective, human paradigm, and therefore exposed to all the vagaries and deficiencies otherwise attendant on human procedures. In particular, the three-part paradigm we have in mind works in the following way. First, a routing manager develops a problem database comprising a compendium of problem history—e.g., the problem's response to historical solution situations. Secondly, and independently, the routing manager develops in his mind a solution database comprising the routing manager's personal, partial, and subjective knowledge of objective facts culled from e.g., the scientific literature, or input from colleagues or other experts. Thirdly, the routing manager subjectively correlates in his mind the necessarily incomplete and partial solution database, with the problem database, in order to promulgate an individual's problem's prescribed routing solutions evaluation and cure.
This three-part paradigm is part science and part art, and captures one aspect of the problems associated with routing problems solutions. However, as suggested above, it is manifestly a subjective paradigm, and therefore open to human vagaries.
We now disclose a novel computer method which can preserve the advantages inherent in this three-part paradigm, while minimizing the incompleteness and attendant subjectivities that otherwise inure in a technique heretofore entirely reserved for human realization.
To this end, in a first aspect of the present invention, we disclose a novel computer method comprising the steps of:
The novel method preferably comprises a further step of updating the step step i) history problem database, so that it can cumulatively track the problem history as it develops over time. For example, this step i) of updating the problem database may include the results of employing the step iii) data mining technique. Also, the method may comprise a step of refining an employed data mining technique in cognizance of pattern changes embedded in each database as a consequence of solution results and updating the problem database.
The novel method preferably comprises a further step of updating the step ii) solution database, so that it can cumulatively track an ever increasing and developing technical routing problems solutions literature. For example, this step ii) of updating the solution database may include the effects of employing a data mining technique on the problem database. Also, the method may comprise a step of refining an employed data mining technique in cognizance of pattern changes embedded in each database as a consequence of solution results and updating the solution database.
The novel method may employ advantageously a wide array of step iii) data mining techniques for interrogating the problem and solution database for generating an output data stream, which output data stream correlates problem problem with solution. For example, the data mining technique may comprise inter alia employment of the following functions for producing output data: classification-neural, classification-tree, clustering-geographic, clustering-neural, factor analysis, or principal component analysis, or expert systems.
In a second aspect of the present invention, we disclose a program storage device readable by machine to perform method steps for providing an interactive routing problems solutions database, the method comprising the steps of:
In a third aspect of the present invention, we disclose a computer comprising:
The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which
The detailed description of the present invention proceeds by tracing through three quintessential method steps, summarized above, that fairly capture the invention in all its sundry aspects. To this end, attention is directed to the flowcharts and neural networks of
Attention is now directed to
