Description
Compare explicit overlap denominator conventions without computing a similarity score.
A similarity term depends on the comparison universe, missing-value policy, treatment of repeated features, and normalization. A score can also have a caller-selected value when its mathematical denominator vanishes. Those conventions matter before interpreting a threshold or comparing methods.
Compare explicit overlap denominator conventions without computing a similarity score.
When to use this tool
Use Weighted Overlap Denominator Gap when you need this particular comparison term, normalization, domain condition, or empty-result policy in a larger matching workflow.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter intersectionWeight, firstWeight, secondWeight, denominatorPolicy. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read denominator, differenceFromUnion. Use the output convention below.
Calculate union=firstWeight+secondWeight-intersectionWeight and select union, minimum, or maximum base for denominator. Return differenceFromUnion=denominator-union after feasible nonnegative weight checks.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| intersectionWeight | Intersection Weight | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| firstWeight | First Weight | Required. Finite number. |
| secondWeight | Second Weight | Required. Finite number. |
| denominatorPolicy | Denominator Policy | Required. Text; one of "union", "minimum", "maximum"; maximum UTF-16 length 8192. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| denominator | Denominator | Required. Finite number. |
| differenceFromUnion | Chosen denominator minus the union denominator. | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"intersectionWeight": 2,
"firstWeight": 3,
"secondWeight": 4,
"denominatorPolicy": "minimum"
},
"output": {
"denominator": 3,
"differenceFromUnion": -2
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Only the denominator is returned and zero is permitted. The tool does not compute a score, verify actual features, or decide which normalization matches the intended question.
- The field tables state structural bounds; the mechanics also specify cross-field constraints. Malformed inputs and unsupported domains cause errors. A successful false flag, empty branch value, or zero placeholder has the meaning stated above and is distinct from an input error.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Signed zero is exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Compare methods only after aligning feature definitions, missingness, empty policies, multiplicities, and normalizers. Use a complete comparison when the tool returns only one contribution or count check.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Weighted Overlap Missing Feature Policy
Return overlap=sum(weights[i]*min(left[i],right[i])) after replacing exact missing sentinel minus one by missingValue.
- Weighted Overlap One Weight Sensitivity
Return derivative=((inIntersection?referenceWeight:0)-(inReference?intersectionWeight:0))/referenceWeight².