Machine Learning Pipeline Probing for Intuitive Parameter Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

It is difficult for non-expert users, such as behavioural scientists, to understand the relationship between data at a point in a machine learning pipeline and its parameters, making it challenging to tune these parameters effectively for optimal performance.

Innovation Solution

A system with a user interface that allows non-expert users to probe and adjust parameters of a machine learning pipeline, presenting data in a human-readable form and enabling them to make informed adjustments based on visualized insights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the machine learning pipeline uses complex algorithms and models to improve detection accuracy, then the pipeline performance is improved, but the difficulty of understanding and tuning parameters increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidparameter tuning difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system that sits between the complex machine learning pipeline and the user. This intermediary translates complex model parameters and data flows into visual, intuitive representations that non-expert users can understand and manipulate, thereby resolving the contradiction between high detection accuracy and ease of parameter tuning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that show users the direct impact of parameter adjustments on pipeline output in real-time. By visualizing how parameter changes affect detection results, users can intuitively tune parameters without needing to understand the underlying complex algorithms, thus improving both accuracy and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the pipeline processes more data points and stages to improve comprehensive analysis, then the analysis quality is improved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis qualityVSAvoidpipeline complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex machine learning pipeline into distinct, visualizable stages and data flows. By breaking down the pipeline into manageable components that can be individually explored and tuned, the system maintains high analysis quality while reducing the perceived complexity for users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds a visual dimension to the pipeline processing, transforming complex multi-stage data processing into a spatially organized visualization. This dimensional transformation allows users to comprehend and navigate complex pipelines through visual metaphors, maintaining analysis quality while reducing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If the system provides detailed debugging information to improve troubleshooting capability, then the diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the information overload increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidinformation volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing detailed debugging information selectively at relevant pipeline stages rather than uniformly throughout. The system identifies and highlights only the most diagnostically valuable information at each stage, maintaining high diagnostic accuracy while avoiding information overload through localized, context-aware information presentation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4172781B1Machine learning pipeline
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP4172781B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4172781B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4172781B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tool for probing a machine learning pipeline, wherein each pipeline stage performs a respective mapping of a respective input state to a respective output state, and each but the last provides its output state on to the input state to a respective successive stage in the pipeline. At least one pipeline stage has one or more adjustable parameters which affect the respective mapping. The tool comprises: a data interface for reading probed pipeline data from the pipeline, the probed data comprising at least some of the output state of at least one pipeline stage; and a user interface module configured to present information on the probed pipeline data to a user through a user interface, and to provide at least one user interface control enabling the user to adjust one or more parameters of at least one of the stages in the pipeline based on the presented information.