Data Slice Mining for Scalable ML Edge Case Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data slice finding methods for machine learning models are not scalable, do not provide a nuanced understanding of error types, and result in a large number of data slices that are difficult to analyze, hindering effective model validation and improvement.

Innovation Solution

The use of Frequent Pattern Mining combined with heuristics for data slice finding, which includes attribute length constraints and error-specific slice identification, provides efficient and granular analysis of model errors, reducing processing time and enhancing understanding of model limitations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional data slice finding methods are used, then model evaluation can be conducted, but the methods are not scalable when dealing with many metadata features

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovescalabilityVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data slice finding process into two distinct phases: (1) frequent pattern mining to identify commonly occurring feature value combinations, and (2) slice generation based on these patterns. This segmentation allows the system to handle large numbers of metadata features efficiently by first reducing the search space through pattern identification, then generating slices only from meaningful patterns rather than exhaustively searching all possible feature combinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by conducting frequent pattern mining before generating data slices. This preliminary step identifies which feature value combinations occur frequently in the dataset, allowing the system to focus subsequent slice generation on these meaningful patterns. This pre-processing step significantly reduces the computational complexity of the overall process when dealing with many metadata features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If traditional data slice finding methods are used, then data slices can be generated, but they do not provide a nuanced understanding of different error types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror type informationVSAvoidanalysis complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by generating data slices that are specific to different error types rather than creating a single aggregated slice. The system identifies slices for false positives, false negatives, and other error categories separately, allowing analysts to examine the characteristics and patterns of each error type independently. This provides nuanced information about model failures without requiring complex manual analysis to differentiate error sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs partial action by allowing users to select which error types to analyze rather than requiring comprehensive analysis of all possible error categories. Users can focus on specific error types relevant to their needs, reducing analysis complexity while still gaining meaningful insights into model performance and limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of information

If traditional data slice finding methods are used, then data slices can be identified, but they result in a large number of slices making it difficult for experts to read and understand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror analysis informationVSAvoidease of analysis
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the most relevant and meaningful data slices by using frequent pattern mining to identify commonly occurring feature value combinations. Instead of generating all possible slices, the system extracts slices based on patterns that actually appear in the data, filtering out rare or meaningless combinations. This reduces the number of slices presented to analysts while maintaining comprehensive error analysis coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by introducing constraints on the number and characteristics of generated slices. The system adjusts slice generation parameters to produce a manageable number of high-quality slices rather than an exhaustive list. This allows experts to review and understand the slices effectively while still obtaining comprehensive error analysis information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260010786A1Slice-based methods for edge case detection in machine learning models
Publication Date: 2026.01.08 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US20260010786A1 patent drawing
  • US20260010786A1 patent drawing
  • US20260010786A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods for a machine-learning network that provide efficient, scalable, and granular analyses during validation of a machine learning model are disclosed. Validation of models depends upon many factors, including the real-world application of the model, the type of model being trained, and the types of data samples it is being trained on. In order to provide relevant edge case information to users that pertains to their specific model, data slice finding techniques may be used to identify subsets of the dataset that are particularly problematic. By limiting a length of the slice description that the algorithm searches and by configuring the algorithm to target specific types of errors, users are provided with a more granular analysis that then allows them to determine how or if they need to retrain the model.