Synthetic Feature Screening Using a Pretrained Meta-Feature Model

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing feature engineering methods generate a large number of synthetic features, consuming significant time in evaluating their quality due to the need for extensive feature evaluation, particularly in machine learning processes.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that involves screening synthetic features using a meta feature evaluation model to classify features into good and poor categories before evaluation, utilizing pre-trained samples and classifiers to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a large number of synthetic features are generated through feature combination operations, then the quantity of features increases exponentially, but the time consumed for evaluating the quality of these synthetic features increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of synthetic featuresVSAvoidtime for feature evaluation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the feature evaluation process into two segments: (1) a fast preliminary evaluation stage using a pre-trained meta feature evaluation model to quickly assess synthetic features, and (2) a detailed evaluation stage using a first classifier only for features that pass the preliminary screening. This segmentation allows the system to handle large quantities of synthetic features efficiently by applying different evaluation strategies to different subsets of features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-training a meta feature evaluation model before the actual feature evaluation process. This pre-trained model is used to perform initial quality assessment and screening of synthetic features, identifying high-quality candidates before they undergo more computationally intensive evaluation. This preliminary filtering action significantly reduces the time required for comprehensive feature evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If all synthetic features are evaluated using a first classifier, then the accuracy of feature selection is improved, but the calculation time and computational resources are excessively consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of feature evaluationVSAvoidevaluation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using different evaluation methods with different levels of accuracy for different subsets of features. High-quality synthetic features identified by the meta feature evaluation model undergo detailed evaluation with the first classifier, while lower-quality features are either improved through feature engineering or discarded. This localized application of high-accuracy evaluation ensures that computational resources are focused on the most promising features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by applying the computationally intensive first classifier only to a subset of synthetic features that are identified as high-quality candidates by the meta feature evaluation model, rather than evaluating all synthetic features with the same level of detail. This partial application of rigorous evaluation maintains measurement precision for the most important features while significantly improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Quantity of substance

If feature engineering performs extensive combination operations on original features, then more synthetic features are generated, but the main calculation time is consumed on evaluating the quality of new features rather than on feature generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of synthetic featuresVSAvoidcalculation time for quality evaluation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a meta feature evaluation model as an intermediary between feature generation and detailed feature evaluation. This intermediary model provides a fast preliminary assessment that guides the subsequent detailed evaluation process, allowing the system to maintain a large quantity of synthetic features while reducing the overall calculation time required for quality evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the evaluation parameters by using a pre-trained meta feature evaluation model with optimized parameters for fast preliminary assessment, rather than using the same detailed evaluation parameters for all features. This parameter change enables efficient handling of large numbers of synthetic features while preserving the ability to perform accurate evaluation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12430404B2Method and apparatus for processing synthetic features, model training method, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.09.30 BEIJING BAIDU NETCOM SCI & TECH CO LTD
  • US12430404B2 patent drawing
  • US12430404B2 patent drawing
  • US12430404B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for processing synthetic features is provided, and includes: the synthetic features to be evaluated and original features corresponding to the synthetic features are obtained. A feature extraction is performed on the synthetic features to be evaluated based on a number S of pre-trained samples, to obtain meta features with S samples. S is a positive integer. The meta features are input into the pre-trained meta feature evaluation model for a binary classification prediction, to obtain a probability of binary classification. Quality screening is performed on the synthetic features to be evaluated according to the probability of the binary classification, to obtain second synthetic features to be evaluated. The second synthetic features are classified in a good category. The second synthetic features and original features are input into a first classifier for evaluation. classified in a poor category.