Weighted Accuracy Evaluation for Predictive Model Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing predictive models are evaluated solely on accuracy, neglecting the utility of their decisions, which can lead to suboptimal performance in real-world applications where the value of predictions varies based on their outcomes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method to train and evaluate predictive models using weighted accuracy, where weights are assigned to different answer categories to reflect the relative importance of correct versus incorrect predictions, allowing for the selection of models that maximize utility based on specified criteria.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If predictive models are evaluated solely on accuracy, then the evaluation process is simple, but the utility of decisions is lost and model performance in real-world applications becomes suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of evaluation processVSAvoidutility of decisions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces weights as a new parameter to transform the evaluation metric from simple accuracy to weighted accuracy. This parameter change allows the system to account for the varying utility of different prediction outcomes while maintaining a systematic evaluation framework. The weights are applied to different answer categories based on their relative importance, converting a binary accuracy measure into a nuanced utility-based metric.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces weights as an intermediary element that mediates between the model's predictions and the final evaluation. These weights serve as a bridge that translates the varying utility of different outcomes into a unified evaluation metric. The weights are calculated based on the distribution of answer categories and the relative importance of correct versus incorrect predictions, allowing the system to capture decision utility without directly modeling complex decision scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If weights are assigned to different answer categories to reflect relative importance, then the utility of predictions is maximized, but the complexity of model evaluation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveutility of predictionsVSAvoidcomplexity of model evaluation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent manages complexity by systematically defining weight parameters based on the distribution of answer categories. Rather than requiring manual assignment of weights for each category, the system calculates weights automatically from the training data distribution and the specified relative importance of correct versus incorrect predictions. This parameter-based approach maintains reliability while controlling evaluation complexity through automated computation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically calculating the weights based on the training data and the specified utility criteria. The weight calculation process is embedded within the evaluation framework, allowing the system to determine appropriate weights without external intervention for each evaluation scenario. This self-service mechanism reduces the operational complexity of implementing weighted evaluation while maintaining the ability to reflect utility differences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of predictive models are trained and evaluated, then the best model for specific utility criteria can be selected, but the training time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to select best model for specific criteriaVSAvoidtraining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by evaluating models based on weighted accuracy rather than exhaustively evaluating all possible performance metrics. The system trains multiple model types but focuses evaluation on the weighted accuracy metric that directly reflects utility. This partial evaluation approach allows selection of the best model for specific utility criteria without the need to compute and compare all possible performance measures, reducing evaluation time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes to streamline the evaluation process by focusing on the weighted accuracy parameter rather than multiple performance metrics. By transforming the evaluation focus to this single composite parameter that incorporates utility weights, the system can efficiently compare multiple model types and select the best performing model without extensive computational analysis of multiple separate metrics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10515313B2Predictive model evaluation and training based on utility
Publication Date: 2019.12.24 GOOGLE LLC
  • US10515313B2 patent drawing
  • US10515313B2 patent drawing
  • US10515313B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for training a plurality of different types of predictive models using training data, wherein each of the predictive models implements a different machine learning technique. One or more weights are obtained wherein each weight is associated with an answer category in the plurality of examples. A weighted accuracy is calculated for each of the predictive models using the one or more weights.