Distributed Hyperparameter Tuning for ML Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual effort required to determine ideal hyperparameter values for machine learning models is inefficient, as it involves training numerous candidate models to evaluate various hyperparameter combinations, consuming significant computing resources and time, and there are no clear default values for generating satisfactory predictive models across a wide range of applications.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically selects hyperparameter values for predictive models by distributing the input dataset across multiple computing devices, processing subsets in parallel, and using a search method to determine the best hyperparameter configurations based on objective criteria, thereby reducing the need for manual tuning and optimizing resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual hyperparameter tuning is performed by training numerous candidate models to evaluate various hyperparameter combinations, then the quality of predictive models can be improved, but the consumption of computing resources and time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepredictive model qualityVSAvoidhyperparameter tuning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the hyperparameter tuning process into multiple independent sessions, where each session evaluates a subset of hyperparameter configurations. This allows parallel processing of different hyperparameter combinations across multiple computing devices, significantly reducing the time required to evaluate numerous candidate models while maintaining comprehensive coverage of the hyperparameter search space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining a structured search space for hyperparameters with specified ranges and configurations before initiating the tuning process. This preliminary preparation enables efficient evaluation of multiple candidate models by establishing evaluation criteria and hyperparameter boundaries in advance, reducing the time needed during actual model training and comparison.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If manual hyperparameter tuning is performed by training numerous candidate models to evaluate various hyperparameter combinations, then the quality of predictive models can be improved, but the consumption of computing resources increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepredictive model qualityVSAvoidcomputing resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the computational workload into segmented sessions distributed across multiple computing devices. Each session independently evaluates a portion of the hyperparameter configurations, enabling parallel processing that optimizes resource utilization. This segmentation prevents any single computing device from being overwhelmed while collectively achieving comprehensive hyperparameter evaluation with improved predictive model quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If automated hyperparameter selection is implemented using distributed computing sessions, then the time and resource efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehyperparameter tuning efficiencyVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal session management system that handles multiple functions: configuring hyperparameter search spaces, distributing sessions across computing devices, monitoring execution progress, and aggregating results. This multi-functional approach consolidates complex distributed computing operations into a unified framework, improving tuning efficiency while managing system complexity through a single point of control that can adapt to different hyperparameter configurations and computing resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10360517B2Distributed hyperparameter tuning system for machine learning
Publication Date: 2019.07.23 SAS INSTITUTE INC
  • US10360517B2 patent drawing
  • US10360517B2 patent drawing
  • US10360517B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computing device automatically selects hyperparameter values based on objective criteria to train a predictive model. Each session of a plurality of sessions executes training and scoring of a model type using an input dataset in parallel with other sessions of the plurality of sessions. Unique hyperparameter configurations are determined using a search method and assigned to each session. For each session of the plurality of sessions, training of a model of the model type is requested using a training dataset and the assigned hyperparameter configuration, scoring of the trained model using a validation dataset and the assigned hyperparameter configuration is requested to compute an objective function value, and the received objective function value and the assigned hyperparameter configuration are stored. A best hyperparameter configuration is identified based on an extreme value of the stored objective function values.