Automatic data extraction, error correction and forecasting system

Abstract

A “Rapid Learner Client Service” (RLCS) system that allows a large number of end-users to obtain the benefits of a sophisticated neural-network forecasting system. Rather than purchasing or developing a forecasting system of their own, RLCS clients subscribe to a forecasting service performed by forecasting equipment located at a remote site. This allows a single highly sophisticated forecasting system to meet the forecasting needs of a large number of subscribers. This forecasting service is performed by an RLCS server that periodically and automatically accesses the subscriber's computer to obtain a fresh set of input data. Alternatively, the subscriber's computer may contact the RLCS server to initiate the process. This input data is then downloaded to the RLCS server, where it is checked and corrected for errors by imputing values for missing or deviant input values. The error-corrected input data is then used to compute a forecast of output values, which are downloaded to the client's computer. The RLCS server also computes and downloads a set accuracy statistics for the client's review.