Patent ID: 7752154

Claim:
A computer implemented method for inferring a probability of a first inference, the computer implemented method comprising: receiving a query at a database regarding a fact, wherein the first inference is absent from the database, wherein the database comprises a plurality of divergent data, wherein the plurality of divergent data includes a plurality of cohort data, wherein each datum of the plurality of divergent data in the database is conformed to dimensions of the database, wherein each datum of the plurality of divergent data has associated metadata and an associated key, wherein the associated metadata comprises data regarding cohorts associated with the corresponding datum, data regarding hierarchies associated with the corresponding datum, data regarding a corresponding source of the datum, and data regarding probabilities associated with integrity, reliability, and importance of each associated datum, wherein the cohorts (i) are a group of associated individuals or objects sharing a common characteristic, and (ii) are automatically generated using data stored at an atomic level; establishing the fact as a frame of reference for the query; applying a first set of rules to the query, wherein the first set of rules are determined for the query according to a second set of rules, wherein the frame of reference serves as an anchor for generating associations among the plurality of cohort data and is used to determine rules for limiting the plurality of divergent data that is searched, wherein the first set of rules determine how the plurality of divergent data are to be compared to the fact, and wherein the first set of rules determine a search space for the query; executing the query to create the first inference and the probability of the first inference, wherein the probability of the first inference is determined from comparing the plurality of divergent data according to the first set of rules; and storing the probability of the first inference.