Alternate Entropy Computations by Applying Recurrence Matrix Masking

Entropy (Basel). 2021 Dec 23;24(1):16. doi: 10.3390/e24010016.

Abstract

In practicality, recurrence analyses of dynamical systems can only process short sections of signals that may be infinitely long. By necessity, the recurrence plot and its quantifications are constrained within a truncated triangle that clips the signals at its borders. Recurrence variables defined within these confining borders can be influenced more or less by truncation effects depending upon the system under evaluation. In this study, the question being asked is what if the boundary borders were tilted, what would be the effect on all recurrence variables? This question was prompted by the observation that line entropy values are maximized for highly periodic systems in which the infinitely long line elements are truncated to different unique lengths. However, by redefining the recurrence plot area to a 45-degree tilted box within the triangular area, the diagonal lines would consequently be truncated to identical lengths. Such masking would minimize the line entropy to 0.000 bits/bin. However, what new truncation influences would be imposed on the other recurrence variables? This question is examined by comparing recurrence variables computed with the triangular recurrence area versus boxed recurrence area. Examples include the logistic equation (mathematical series), the Dow Jones Industrial Average over a decade (real-word data), and a square wave pulse (toy series). Good agreement among the variables in terms of timing and amplitude was found for most, but not all variables. These important results are discussed.

Keywords: line entropy; nonlinear dynamics; recurrence matrix masking; recurrence quantifications.