This inventor holds 1 USPTO granted patent. Top assignee: Other. Active years: 1994.
Company Filing History:
1 out of 834,350 Years Active: 1994
Title: Douglas A Kerns: Innovator in Gradient Estimation Technology
Introduction
Douglas A Kerns is a notable inventor based in Pasadena, CA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of circuit design and optimization techniques. His innovative approach to estimating gradients has the potential to enhance various computational algorithms.
Latest Patents
Kerns holds a patent for a "Circuit and method for estimating gradients." This invention provides a circuit and method for estimating gradients of a target function using noise injection and correlation. In one embodiment, an input signal is combined with an input noise signal, and the combined signal is input to a circuit that computes the output of the target function. An amplified noise signal and the output signal of the target function are input to a multiplier, which performs a correlation of the inputs. The output of the multiplier is processed by a low-pass filter to generate the gradient. The circuit and method can be expanded to N-dimensions. Furthermore, in an alternate embodiment, a differentiator is coupled between the multiplier and amplifier and the multiplier and the output of the target function to differentiate the two signals prior to input to the multiplier. In other embodiments, the circuit may be used to compute gradient-like signals, wherein each component of the gradient is individually scaled by a different value. The output of the circuit can then be used in other descent algorithms. Additionally, by varying the scale of the noise signal over a time schedule, an annealing style of optimization can be implemented. This prevents the gradient process from stopping at local minima while descending to the global minimum of the function. Kerns has 1 patent to his name.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Kerns has demonstrated a commitment to advancing technology in the field of gradient estimation. His work has implications for various applications, including machine learning and optimization algorithms.
Collaborations
Kerns has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Brooke P Anderson and Alan H Barr. Their combined expertise has contributed to the development of innovative solutions in their respective fields.
Conclusion
Douglas A Kerns is a pioneering inventor whose work in gradient estimation technology showcases his innovative spirit and dedication to advancing computational methods. His contributions are likely to have a lasting impact on the field.