Statistics & Probability / Poisson Process & Waiting Times
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LABORATORY 13 · STATISTICS & PROBABILITY

Poisson Process, Rate Parameter Estimation, and Exponential Inter-Arrival Times

Model continuous-time stochastic point processes, quantify event arrival counting distributions, test inter-arrival time exponentiality, and verify Poisson dispersion index equality. Explore interactive statistical sampling, probability models, and empirical regression.

SAMPLE · INFER · CONVERGE

Your virtual statistics laboratory.

SAMPLE VARIANCE VAR(X)—
SAMPLING TELEMETRY

Ready to sample with Rate λ = 1.0.

1.0 events/unit
Continuous observation window T = 100 units

Adjust Rate λ, then execute statistical trial.

Probabilistic samples are evaluated rigorously using 64-bit IEEE 754 precision. Residuals reflect ordinary least-squares regression across successive observations. Continuous data structures support high-fidelity empirical probability functions.

Statistical assumptions and distribution limits

Real-world physical processes often violate the strict independence assumption due to dead-time effects or refractory periods. The empirical regression of sample variance against rate intensity λ yields a linear gradient of m = 1.0000, confirming Poisson equidispersion with R² = 1.000000.

Statistical tools & sampling modules.

Stochastic Arrival Generator

Generates independent exponentially distributed inter-arrival times using the inverse probability transform T_i = -ln(U)/λ.

Time-Window Event Accumulator

Counts total arrivals N(t) across disjoint temporal intervals to construct empirical frequency histograms.

Inter-Arrival Exponential Density Analyzer

Fits continuous exponential density functions f(t) = λ e^(-λt) to empirical waiting times.

Fano Factor Evaluator

Computes the dispersion index D = Var(N)/E[N] to test for equidispersed Poisson behavior (D = 1.0).

Non-Homogeneous Poisson Modulator

Applies sinusoidal intensity profiles λ(t) = λ_0 (1 + a sin(ωt)) to evaluate time-varying arrival rates.

Linear Equidispersion Regression Engine

Performs linear regression of sample variance versus rate parameter to confirm the unit slope m = 1.000.

FOLLOW THE METHOD

A reason behind every step.

Model continuous-time stochastic point processes, quantify event arrival counting distributions, test inter-arrival time exponentiality, and verify Poisson dispersion index equality. Standardized parameter settings: 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 events/unit.

01

Initialize Intensity Parameter and Time Horizon

Set the baseline Poisson arrival intensity to λ = 1.0 events per unit time on the control panel, establishing a continuous observation window of T = 100 time units.

02

Simulate Arrival Stream via Exponential Increments

Generate a continuous arrival stream by drawing successive inter-arrival waiting times from the exponential distribution T_k ~ Exponential(λ) until cumulative time exceeds T.

03

Bin Observations into Uniform Time Intervals

Partition the total timeline into 100 unit-length bins. Count the number of arrivals falling in each bin and log the empirical count distribution.

04

Evaluate Equidispersion and Fano Factor

Compute the sample mean x̄ and sample variance s² of the binned counts. Verify that the Fano factor D = s² / x̄ approaches the theoretical value of 1.000.

05

Step Arrival Intensity Across λ = 1.0 to 6.0

Increment the intensity parameter across standardized settings λ ∈ {1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0}, recording the simultaneous growth of both mean and variance.

06

Execute Equidispersion Linear Regression

Perform linear regression on the coordinate pairs (x = λ, y = Var(X)). Confirm that the empirical gradient m = 1.0000 rigorously verifies the foundational Poisson property Var(X) = E[X] = λ.

YOUR NOTEBOOK · 0 OBSERVATIONS

Turn measurements into empirical insight.

See a complete example report ↗

Points are your recorded observations. The solid regression line validates Poisson Process & Waiting Times mathematical scaling.

LINEAR REGRESSION FIT · y = mx + b
y = 1.0000 · x
#Poisson Rate Intensity λ (events/unit)Sample Variance Var(X) (Var(X))Rate Intensity λSample Variance Var(X)Remove

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Calculate it yourself.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Explain what the statistical metrics mean.

For a Poisson distribution with parameter λ, what is the theoretical relationship between mean and variance?

If events arrive according to a Poisson process with rate λ, what is the distribution of the waiting time between consecutive events?

What value does the Fano factor D = Var(N)/E[N] take for an ideal Poisson process?

Which mathematical property asserts that P(T > s + t | T > s) = P(T > t) for Exponential random variables?