Beta Approximation Active Learning Classifier Engine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard deep learning models fail to accurately capture model uncertainty, leading to misdirection in classification results and increased computational requirements for training, especially in large datasets like CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100, and Caltech-256.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a Bayesian deep learning framework using Beta Approximation for Bayesian Active Learning (BABA) to approximate marginal distributions and derive an explicit formula for joint entropy, reducing training time and computational effort by identifying key data points for labeling through an active learning classifier engine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If standard deep learning models are used for classification, then classification speed is fast, but model uncertainty is not captured correctly leading to misdirection in classification results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel uncertainty captureVSAvoidclassification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces Beta distribution as an intermediary probabilistic model between the input data and classification output. This Beta distribution layer captures uncertainty by modeling the probability distribution of class probabilities, allowing the model to express confidence levels without sacrificing classification speed. The intermediary layer transforms deterministic outputs into probabilistic predictions with uncertainty estimates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter representation from fixed deterministic probabilities to distributed probabilistic parameters using Beta distributions. By parameterizing the uncertainty through Beta distribution parameters (alpha and beta), the model can dynamically adjust uncertainty estimates while maintaining computational efficiency. This parameter transformation enables uncertainty capture without requiring complex architectural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If a trained classifier is used before training is complete, then training time is reduced, but probability of wrong classification results increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining timeVSAvoidclassification result accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback through the uncertainty estimation mechanism. The Beta distribution layer continuously monitors classification uncertainty and provides feedback signals during training. When uncertainty is high, the system can identify that more training is needed, preventing premature deployment of inaccurate models. This feedback loop ensures that classification results are only trusted when uncertainty metrics indicate sufficient confidence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary uncertainty assessment during the training process itself. By calculating Beta distribution parameters throughout training, the system preliminarily evaluates whether the model has achieved sufficient confidence before deployment. This preliminary action allows early stopping when uncertainty criteria are met, reducing unnecessary training time while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a trained classifier is trained for a long time to improve classification statistics, then classification accuracy is improved, but more computing power is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclassification statisticsVSAvoidcomputing power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of extended training with a statistical substitution using Beta distributions. Instead of relying on prolonged training to improve classification statistics, the system uses probabilistic modeling to capture uncertainty and confidence metrics. This substitution achieves reliable classification statistics through statistical inference rather than computational brute force, reducing computing power requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the approach from time-based improvement (longer training) to parameter-based improvement (Beta distribution parameters). By focusing on optimizing the probabilistic parameters that capture uncertainty and confidence, the system achieves reliable classification statistics more efficiently. This parameter optimization requires less computational power compared to extended training iterations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Quantity of substance

If active learning is implemented to prioritize labeling dataset, then labeling cost is reduced, but systematic prioritization method is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeled data volumeVSAvoidprioritization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the Beta distribution uncertainty estimates as an intermediary signal for active learning prioritization. Instead of implementing a complex systematic prioritization method from scratch, the system leverages the natural uncertainty outputs from the probabilistic classification layer. This intermediary uncertainty metric directly indicates which samples benefit most from labeling, simplifying the active learning selection process while reducing labeled data requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230142131A1Active learning classifier engine using beta approximation
Publication Date: 2023.05.11 SAMSUNG SDS AMERICA INC
  • US20230142131A1 patent drawing
  • US20230142131A1 patent drawing
  • US20230142131A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An active learning classifier engine is provided to reduce consumption of computer resources in acquiring data points for training of a model and then classifying data. The active learning classifier engine uses an acquisition function under a Bayesian active learning framework for acquiring the data points (“BABA”) from unlabeled training data. The acquisition function captures mutual information between the model parameters and the predictive outputs of the unlabeled training data and acquires useful unlabeled training data points which reduce classification errors of the model when classifying previously-unseen data by more properly and quickly placing decision boundaries used in the classification of the previously-unseen data.