  Data generated from a system of interest typically consists of measurements
from an ensemble of subjects across multiple response and covariate features,
and is naturally represented by one response-matrix against one
covariate-matrix. Likely each of these two matrices simultaneously embraces
heterogeneous data types: continuous, discrete and categorical. Here a matrix
is used as a practical platform to ideally keep hidden dependency among/between
subjects and features intact on its lattice. Response and covariate dependency
is individually computed and expressed through mutliscale blocks via a newly
developed computing paradigm named Data Mechanics. We propose a categorical
pattern matching approach to establish causal linkages in a form of information
flows from patterned response dependency to structured covariate dependency.
The strength of an information flow is evaluated by applying the combinatorial
information theory. This unified platform for system knowledge discovery is
illustrated through five data sets. In each illustrative case, an information
flow is demonstrated as an organization of discovered knowledge loci via
emergent visible and readable heterogeneity. This unified approach
fundamentally resolves many long standing issues, including statistical
modeling, multiple response, renormalization and feature selections, in data
analysis, but without involving man-made structures and distribution
assumptions. The results reported here enhance the idea that linking patterns
of response dependency to structures of covariate dependency is the true
philosophical foundation underlying data-driven computing and learning in
sciences.
