Patent ID: 8768866
Filing Date: 2014-07-01
Classification: G06N

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for estimating a value for a target variable, comprising: receiving data corresponding to a plurality of known entities, wherein each known entity has an associated first attribute value, an associated second attribute value, and an associated target variable; assigning each known entity to a grid having one or more single cells, wherein each single cell in the grid has an associated first attribute value and an associated second attribute value, and wherein the known entities are assigned to the single cells using the associated attribute values; determining whether each single cell includes a pre-determined threshold number of assigned known entities; forming one or more super cells by combining one or more single cells having less than the threshold number of known entities; generating a model for uncombined single cells having assigned known entities and for each super cell, wherein models are generated using target variable values for known entities assigned to a single cell or a super cell; receiving data corresponding to a target entity, wherein the target entity has an associated first attribute value and an associated second attribute value; assigning the target entity to a single cell or a super cell, wherein the target entity is assigned using the associated attribute values; selecting a model based upon the assigned cell; and using the selected model to generate an estimated value for a target variable associated with the target entity.