Tools and methods for determining relationship values

Abstract

Systems, apparatus, and methods for correlating two items of interest, based on a plurality of data items and characteristics. The data items may include objective and quantitative data, as well as subjective and qualitative data. In one implementation, the relationship of an individual to a metric is determined. The system, apparatus, and methods may store characteristics describing individuals generally, along with metrics relevant to an organization; receive a plurality of data items; extract information associated with the individual from the data items; determine a number of relationships between the data items, individuals, metric, and characteristics; and use the relationships to determine an overall relationship between the individual and the metric, based on the data and characteristics. In addition, related groups of characteristics may be identified. Similarly, the relationships between any individual, metric, sub-metric, group of characteristics, data item, data source, characteristic, or groups thereof may also be determined.

1 . A method of identifying a value of information related to individuals, comprising:
 receiving, at a computer:
 characteristics related to the individuals; 
 first relationships between the characteristics and the individuals; and 
 metrics; 
   identifying groups of one or more of the individuals based on the first relationships;
 calculating second relationships between the groups and the metrics; 
 calculating values for the groups based on the second relationships; and 
 outputting the values. 
   
     
     
         2 .- 21 . (canceled)