Adversarial Input Detection via Classifier-Clusterer Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Machine learning models are vulnerable to adversarial example attacks, which modify inputs to misclassify them, and existing defense solutions are inadequate due to inherent gaps between model and task boundaries, making it difficult to effectively detect and counter such attacks.

Innovation Solution

A separate machine learning detector model, such as a Gaussian Mixture Variational Auto-Encoder (GMVAE), is used in parallel with a classifier model to determine whether an input is an adversarial example by comparing classification and clustering outputs, allowing for real-time detection and initiation of remedial actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate detector model is used to detect adversarial examples, then detection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadversarial example detection effectivenessVSAvoidmodel architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent models: a classifier model for normal classification tasks and a separate detector model specifically for adversarial example detection. This segmentation allows each model to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall detection effectiveness while maintaining modular complexity management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A projection layer acts as an intermediary component that transforms features from the detector model's final layer into a format suitable for binary classification. This intermediary structure enables the detector model to effectively distinguish adversarial examples without requiring complete redesign of the entire system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If advanced detection methods are employed, then detection precision is improved, but computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadversarial example detection precisionVSAvoidcomputational resources consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The detector model performs preliminary screening of inputs to identify potential adversarial examples before they reach the main classifier. By detecting and filtering suspicious inputs early in the processing pipeline, the system achieves high detection precision while reducing the computational burden on subsequent processing stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detector model applies partial processing to all inputs, focusing computational resources on identifying suspicious patterns rather than performing complete classification analysis on every input. This approach maintains high detection precision while optimizing computational resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20240104349A1Detection of adversarial example input to machine learning models
Publication Date: 2024.03.28 DELL PROD LP
  • US20240104349A1 patent drawing
  • US20240104349A1 patent drawing
  • US20240104349A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus comprises a processing device configured to utilize a first machine learning model to determine a classification output for a given input indicating probability of the given input belonging to each of a set of classes, and to utilize a second machine learning model to determine a clustering output for the given input indicating which of a set of clusters that the given input belongs to, the clusters corresponding to respective ones of the classes. The processing device is further configured, responsive to determining that the given input represents an adversarial example based at least in part on a comparison of the classification and clustering outputs for the given input, to modify subsequent processing of the given input by additional machine learning models.