Dinformations

Dinformations is a term occasionally used in information studies and related fields to denote units of information embedded in or transmitted by dynamic processes. It focuses on how information content changes over time within a system, rather than on static, time-invariant information. In this sense, dinformations are the time-dependent content that guides behavior, responses, or state transitions in networks, sensors, and communication channels.

Etymology and usage: The word is a neologism likely formed by combining dynamic and information. Because it is not widely standardized, its precise meaning varies by author. In many discussions, a dinformation refers to the information carried by a signal across successive time steps, or to information that is relevant for predicting or controlling a process.

Applications and concepts: In sensor networks, a dinformation can be the evolving measurement that informs fusion or control decisions. In time-series analysis, the collection of dinformations across channels represents the temporal information available to a model. In telecommunications, sequences of symbols over time can be described as streams of dinformations, distinguishing them from a single static datum.

Limitations: The lack of formal definition means that dinformations are not part of established theories with standard notation or metrics. Researchers may use the term differently, leading to ambiguity when comparing results.

See also: Information, Information theory, Dynamic system, Time series, Data.