We investigate the use of iterated function system (IFS) models for data
analysis. An IFS is a discrete dynamical system in which each time step
corresponds to the application of one of a finite collection of maps. The maps,
which represent distinct dynamical regimes, may act in some pre-determined
sequence or may be applied in random order. An algorithm is developed to detect
the sequence of regime switches under the assumption of continuity. This method
is tested on a simple IFS and applied to an experimental computer performance
data set. This methodology has a wide range of potential uses: from
change-point detection in time-series data to the field of digital
communications