CNN Heuristic Maps for Faster Path Search in Complex Environments

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing path search algorithms, such as those described in Non Patent Literature 1, are not versatile and suffer from long search times, particularly when dealing with complex environments and tasks, and setting appropriate heuristic functions manually is challenging.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that utilizes a convolutional neural network (CNN) to learn a heuristic function, combining environment and internal state features to generate a heuristic map, which is used for path search, reducing search time and improving accuracy by learning a versatile heuristic function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a path search algorithm is used to handle complex environments and tasks, then the search accuracy is improved, but the search time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch accuracyVSAvoidsearch time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-learning heuristic functions using convolutional neural networks before actual path searching. The system learns heuristic functions from training data that represent environmental features and task requirements, storing this knowledge in advance. During actual path searching, the pre-learned heuristic functions are directly applied, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time learning and significantly reducing search time while maintaining high accuracy in complex environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a versatile heuristic function is learned using CNN, then the adaptability to different environments and tasks is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility of heuristic functionVSAvoidcomplexity of learning system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a convolutional neural network that learns universal heuristic functions applicable to multiple different environments and tasks. The CNN architecture processes various types of input data (environmental maps, task specifications) and generates heuristic functions that can be applied across different path planning scenarios. This multi-functional approach allows a single learning system to handle diverse applications, from navigation in different environments to various task types, thereby improving versatility while managing system complexity through a unified framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12353997B2Information processing apparatus and information processing method
Publication Date: 2025.07.08 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US12353997B2 patent drawing
  • US12353997B2 patent drawing
  • US12353997B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is an information processing apparatus including a learning unit that learns a heuristic function related to a path search by using a convolutional neural network. The learning unit includes a first convolutional neural network that outputs a first feature value based on an environment map, and a second convolutional neural network that outputs a second feature value related to an internal state of a search subject, performs learning using a loss related to a concatenated value of the first feature value and the second feature value, and outputs a heuristic map in which the heuristic function is represented as a two- or higher-dimensional image. The internal state of the search subject includes at least one element that has a degree of freedom different from a position in an environment.