Package edu.cmu.tetrad.search.blocks

Interface BlockDiscoverer

All Known Implementing Classes:
BpcBlockDiscoverer, FofcBlockDiscoverer, FtfcBlockDiscoverer, GffcBlockDiscoverer, TscTestBlockDiscoverer
public interface BlockDiscoverer
An interface for discovering clusters or "blocks" of indices based on data and algorithmic techniques. The discovered blocks are represented as a BlockSpec, encapsulating clusters of observed indices and any associated metadata or latent structures.

Implementations of this interface act as adapters for various clustering or block discovery algorithms, such as FTFC, FOFC, BPC, and TSC, with additional functionality including block validation, canonicalization, and policy-specific adjustments.

Key functionalities: - Discovering clusters or blocks of variables from a dataset using algorithm-specific logic. - Ensuring the resulting blocks adhere to validation criteria and are formatted consistently. - Applying single-cluster policies when handling complex overlapping or conflicting blocks.

  • Method Summary

    Modifier and Type
    Method
    Description
    BlockSpec
    discover()
    Discovers and returns clusters or blocks of indices based on the underlying block discovery algorithm.

  • Method Details

    • discover

      BlockSpec discover()
      Discovers and returns clusters or blocks of indices based on the underlying block discovery algorithm. The result is encapsulated in a BlockSpec, which contains the identified clusters and any associated metadata.

      The method implements algorithmic techniques to analyze the input data and generate meaningful groupings, with optional validation and canonicalization. It may also apply predefined policies to adjust the discovered blocks in cases of overlaps or conflicts.

      Returns:
      a BlockSpec object representing the discovered clusters or blocks, including relevant metadata or latent structures when applicable.