Interactive optimization of the behavior of a system

A computer readable storage medium for storing computer readable instructions, the computer readable instructions providing a user mechanism that allows a user to modify behavior of a classification system, the computer readable instructions comprising:

• logic configured to provide a presentation, the presentation including a plurality of parameter settings that convey classification results produced by the classification system for a current state of the classification system, the classification results identifying instances of correct classification and incorrect classification;
• logic configured to receive input from a user that affects a value of at least one parameter setting, the input conveying a behavior of the classification system;
• and
• logic configured to present an updated presentation that reflects a new current state, the new current state being produced, if feasible, by changing at least one modifiable feature of the system that corresponds to a plurality of cost values that define decision boundaries that are used to classify data items based on the input received from the user, the updated presentation providing feedback to the user regarding an effect of the input.

A method comprising:

• providing a presentation using an interface mechanism including a plurality of parameter settings that reflect a current state of a system;
• receiving input from a user via the interface mechanism of a desired behavior of the system, the input comprising an instruction to constrain change in a parameter setting;
• determining a plurality of current state items that represent the current state of the system and a plurality of target state items that represent the desired behavior of the system;
• analyzing the current state items and the target state items to determine one or more changes to one or more modifiable features of the system to transform the system from the current state to the desired behavior;
• determining whether the one or more changes are feasible;
• and
• applying the one or more changes to the system if the one or more changes are determined to be feasible.