US 8438120

Analysis of U.S. Patent 8,438,120

Date of Analysis: 2026-04-30

Patent Summary

• Title: Machine learning hyperparameter estimation
• Assignee: The current assignee of record is K Mizra LLC. The original assignee was Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO. Ownership was transferred to DATASERVE TECHNOLOGIES LLC in March 2020, and subsequently to K.MIZRA LLC in August 2020.
• Inventor: Stephan Alexander Raaijmakers
• Filing Date: April 25, 2008
• Issue Date: May 7, 2013
• Abstract: A method of determining hyperparameters (HP) of a classifier (1) in a machine learning system (10) iteratively produces an estimate of a target hyperparameter vector. The method comprises the steps of selecting from the random sample the hyperparameter vector producing the best result in the present and any previous iterations, and updating the estimate of the target hyperparameter vector by using said selected hyperparameter vector. The random sample may be restricted by using the hyperparameter vector producing the best result in the present and any previous iterations.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims

An independent claim represents the broadest definition of the invention. US Patent 8,438,120 has four independent claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a method for optimizing the configuration settings (hyperparameters) of a machine learning classifier. The process is iterative. In each cycle, it generates a random sample of potential hyperparameter settings (vectors). It then evaluates these settings to find the one that produces the best result not just in the current cycle, but across all previous cycles as well. This "best-so-far" hyperparameter vector is then used to update the target estimate for the optimal settings, guiding the search process.

• Claim 12: This claim protects a machine learning classifier itself, where the classifier's controlling hyperparameters have been determined using the method described in Claim 1. This means any classifier configured by this specific optimization process is covered.

• Claim 13: This claim covers a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a hard drive, SSD, or CD-ROM) that stores instructions for a computer. When executed, these instructions cause the computer to perform the hyperparameter determination method outlined in Claim 1.

• Claim 14: This claim describes a physical device specifically designed for determining hyperparameters. The device contains a processor that is configured to execute the iterative method from Claim 1: drawing random samples of hyperparameter vectors, selecting the best-performing vector from the current and all past iterations, and using that best vector to update the estimate of the target hyperparameter vector.

A search of the CAFC (United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit) 2026 dockets for "8438120" did not return any specific results. However, it is noted from public records that this patent has been subject to litigation in various U.S. District Courts.