Cross-Validation Framework for Distributed Machine Learning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems struggle to execute supervised learning and cross-validation processes directly within a database, particularly in distributed database systems, as they require complex operations that Structural Query Language (SQL) and similar query languages cannot perform effectively.

Innovation Solution

A general framework for cross-validation of supervised learning algorithms is implemented within a distributed database system, utilizing a master node and segment nodes to execute training, prediction, and metric functions directly on stored data, with a novel architecture that integrates software abstraction layers to handle SQL and RDBMS functions, allowing for parallel processing and measurement of model performance across multiple parameter sets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If supervised learning and cross-validation processes are executed outside the database using traditional systems, then the processes can be performed with appropriate computational capabilities, but the complexity of data transfer and integration increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexecution efficiency of cross-validation processesVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cross-validation processing capabilities directly into the database system by integrating supervised learning algorithms and cross-validation frameworks within the database management system. This allows training data, validation data, and processing logic to coexist in a unified environment, eliminating the need for complex data extraction and transfer between separate systems while reducing integration overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer within the database system that bridges traditional SQL operations and machine learning workflows. This intermediary framework enables seamless coordination between database management functions and cross-validation processes, allowing standard database operations to interact with supervised learning algorithms without requiring external computational infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If cross-validation is performed by partitioning data into multiple subsets and executing multiple rounds of training and validation, then the measurement precision of model performance improves, but the computational time and resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of model performance estimationVSAvoidcomputational time for cross-validation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements segmentation by dividing the dataset into multiple training subsets and validation subsets through systematic partitioning. Each partition undergoes independent training and validation cycles, with results aggregated to produce a comprehensive performance estimate. This segmented approach enables thorough cross-validation while leveraging parallel processing capabilities within the database system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic action by structuring cross-validation as repeated cycles of training and validation across different data partitions. Each cycle follows a standardized periodic pattern: partition data, train model on training subset, validate on validation subset, record metrics, then repeat with next partition. This periodic structure systematicallly explores model performance across various data configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If SQL query languages are used to query data for machine learning processes, then data retrieval from distributed databases is efficient, but the language cannot perform complex machine learning operations such as training functions, prediction functions, and metric functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata retrieval efficiencyVSAvoidcapability to execute machine learning functions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal framework within the database system that enables SQL to serve multiple functions: traditional data querying, supervised learning algorithm execution, cross-validation orchestration, and performance metric calculation. This multi-functional extension allows the same database environment to handle both data management and machine learning workloads without requiring separate specialized systems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces external machine learning computational systems with database-internal processing capabilities. Instead of using separate mechanical computing systems to execute training functions, prediction functions, and metric calculations, the database system itself performs these operations using its native query processing and computational resources, substituting the need for external infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If multiple sets of model parameters are evaluated through cross-validation to select the best model, then the reliability of model selection improves, but the number of processing rounds and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfidence in model selectionVSAvoidcomplexity of parameter evaluation process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by systematically collecting performance metrics from each cross-validation round and using this feedback to compare different model parameter configurations. The framework aggregates validation results across multiple partitions and parameter sets, providing feedback that enables objective model selection based on empirical performance data rather than theoretical assumptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying model parameters across different cross-validation experiments. Each configuration of parameters is evaluated through the same rigorous cross-validation process, allowing direct comparison of how different parameter settings affect model performance. This systematic parameter exploration identifies optimal configurations based on validated performance metrics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10445657B2General framework for cross-validation of machine learning algorithms using SQL on distributed systems
Publication Date: 2019.10.15 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC
  • US10445657B2 patent drawing
  • US10445657B2 patent drawing
  • US10445657B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A general framework for cross-validation of any supervised learning algorithm on a distributed database comprises a multi-layer software architecture that implements training, prediction and metric functions in a C++ layer and iterates processing of different subsets of a data set with a plurality of different models in a Python layer. The best model is determined to be the one with the smallest average prediction error across all database segments.