Systems, apparatus, and methods for generating prediction sets based on a known set of features

Abstract

An individual having a plurality of first features and a second characteristic is identified. A plurality of second features associated with a second characteristic is determined. For each first feature among the plurality of first features, a respective probability distribution indicating, for each respective second feature, a probability that a person having the respective second feature has the first feature, is determined, thereby generating a plurality of probability distributions. A probabilistic classifier is used to combine the plurality of probability distributions, thereby generating a merged probability distribution. A Monte Carlo method is used to generate a prediction set based on the merged probability distribution, the prediction set including a plurality of prediction values for the second characteristic of the individual, each respective prediction value being associated with one of the plurality of second features. The prediction set is stored in a memory. The probabilistic classifier may include a Naïve-Bayes method. Prediction sets may be generated for each of a plurality of individuals, and used to predict a feature associated with a group. For example, an advertisement may be selected and displayed based on the predicted feature.