Patent ID: 7272586

Claim:
A method of selecting a data analysis method from a plurality of such data analysis methods by applying fuzzy logic to characteristics of those data analysis methods to select the data analysis method from the plurality that most closely matches a fuzzy set of user-defined preferences for such characteristics, said method of selecting comprising: (i) using the user preference to identify one or more rules corresponding to the user preference, each rule comprising at least one fuzzy set that relates features of data analysis methods to data analysis characteristics; (ii) evaluating each identified rule, thereby identifying an instance of a data analysis characteristic associated with the identified rule, the instance comprising a fuzzy set having a range of values; (iii) retrieving data identifying a plurality of data analysis methods, each of which has a plurality of data analysis characteristics, wherein, in respect of each said data analysis characteristic, the retrieved data includes a range of values; (iv) comparing the retrieved data with the data analysis characteristic instance in order to identify a data analysis method that matches the user preference; and (v) outputting data identifying the data analysis method that matches the user preference.