Using Shannon entropy as a systems' measure
by Gerry Frizelle
International Journal of Information and Decision Sciences (IJIDS), Vol. 3, No. 4, 2011

Abstract: The paper pulls together research that the author and other researchers have carried out on using Shannon entropy as a measure for goal seeking input/output systems. Its aim is to show how the approach developed here can help to identify where and when systems start to behave unpredictably. Entropic measures provide some useful features, a key one being the ability to assign effects to causes. However, it is not possible simply to transfer Shannon's results to a measurement system. Instead, one must first build a model of the measurement process. This led to a recognition of the importance queues play in revealing a system's health; the more turbulent the queue, the bigger the problem. Moreover, sources of turbulence can be compared to pinpoint trouble spots. Shannon entropy seems to provide sensible and meaningful results when used to measure how far goal seeking input/output systems stray from their goals.

Online publication date: Thu, 30-Oct-2014

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