Apparatus and method for selecting cluster points for a clustering analysis

摘要

A method of clustering data includes choosing an initial cluster point and proximate data points from a set of data points. A revised data set is defined that excludes the initial cluster point and the proximate data points. A cluster point relatively far from the selected cluster point is selected. A revised data set excluding the selected cluster points and proximate data points is then defined. A decision is made whether to choose another cluster point. If so, a cluster point relatively far from the selected cluster points is selected and a revised data set excluding the selected cluster points and corresponding proximate data points is defined. If another cluster point is not to be selected, a final cluster point is chosen within the revised data set. The final cluster point is relatively far from the previously selected cluster points. The selected cluster points are then used to initiate a cluster analysis.