Hyper-parameter Optimization via Matrix Factorization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Hyper-parameter analysis for multi-layer computational structures is a time-consuming process that relies on guesswork and unreliable rules of thumb, lacking theoretical justification, especially when determining optimal hyper-parameters for each layer in a neural network.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that perform matrix factorization of layers in a multi-layer computational structure to analyze hyper-parameters, including training filters, converting them to vectors, generating a covariance matrix, and adjusting energy thresholds to achieve a complexity target, thereby iteratively retraining filters to optimize hyper-parameters such as the number of feature maps and weights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional hyper-parameter analysis methods are used (experimentation with validation set), then optimal hyper-parameters can be found, but the process is time-consuming and requires guesswork

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehyperparameter optimization accuracyVSAvoidhyperparameter analysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error experimentation process with a theoretical mathematical framework based on matrix factorization. Instead of iteratively testing hyper-parameters against validation sets, the system uses covariance matrix analysis and energy threshold calculations to directly determine optimal hyper-parameters, eliminating time-consuming guesswork while maintaining optimization accuracy.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the hyper-parameter optimization problem from an empirical search process into a mathematical parameter analysis problem. By changing the approach from validation-based experimentation to matrix factorization-based calculation, the system derives hyper-parameters through mathematical relationships involving covariance matrices and energy thresholds, significantly reducing the time required while preserving optimization precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If rule of thumb methods are used to keep computations constant across layers, then some guidance is provided, but the rules are unreliable and lack theoretical justification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehyperparameter selection guidanceVSAvoidhyperparameter selection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces unreliable heuristic rules with a rigorous mathematical system based on matrix factorization theory. The theoretical framework provides concrete, justifiable methods for determining hyper-parameters through covariance matrix analysis and energy threshold calculations, replacing guesswork-based rules of thumb with scientifically grounded procedures that are both reliable and theoretically sound.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms arbitrary rule-of-thumb hyper-parameter selection into a systematic parameter analysis approach. By introducing mathematical parameters such as covariance matrices, energy thresholds, and basis weight values, the system provides reliable, theoretically-justified guidance for hyper-parameter selection, eliminating the unreliability of informal heuristics while maintaining ease of operation through structured calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the number of feature maps is increased in later layers to compensate for spatial dimension reduction, then computations can be kept constant, but the approach is unreliable and lacks theoretical basis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputational load balancingVSAvoidcomputational balancing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rule of increasing feature maps to balance computational load with a theoretical matrix factorization approach. The system uses covariance matrix analysis and energy threshold calculations to objectively determine the optimal number of feature maps for each layer, providing reliable, mathematically-justified computational balancing that eliminates the unreliability of heuristic compensation methods.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the subjective rule of compensating for spatial dimension reduction into an objective parameter optimization problem. By introducing mathematical parameters (covariance matrices, energy thresholds, basis weight values) to analyze and determine feature map counts, the system achieves reliable computational load balancing based on theoretical calculations rather than unreliable heuristic adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10534994B1System and method for hyper-parameter analysis for multi-layer computational structures
Publication Date: 2020.01.14 CADENCE DESIGN SYST INC
  • US10534994B1 patent drawing
  • US10534994B1 patent drawing
  • US10534994B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for analyzing one or more hyper-parameters for a multi-layer computational structure. The method may include accessing, using at least one processor, input data for recognition. The input data may include at least one of an image, a pattern, a speech input, a natural language input, a video input, and a complex data set. The method may further include processing the input data using one or more layers of the multi-layer computational structure and performing matrix factorization of the one or more layers. The method may also include analyzing one or more hyper-parameters for the one or more layers based upon, at least in part, the matrix factorization of the one or more layers.