Explainable Self-Focused Attention for Behavior Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional behavior prediction networks in autonomous systems, such as autonomous vehicles, are not explainable, leading to inefficiencies in resource consumption and lack of understanding of decision-making processes, and often rely on complex models without considering the actual features affecting predictions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method and device that utilize explainable self-focused attention to provide information on affecting factors and allow users to mark areas of interest, using a trajectory prediction device with modules for metadata recognition, feature encoding, and visualization of the specific technical problems, and the technical solution involves extracting specific content from patent specifications based on my requirements and describing it in a researcher’s tone. Ensure the output language is fluent and coherent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex deep learning models are used for behavior prediction, then prediction performance is improved, but computing resource consumption increases and explainability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction performanceVSAvoidmodel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the deep learning model into distinct functional modules: metadata recognition module for extracting object information, feature encoding module for transforming metadata into features, and behavior prediction module for trajectory prediction. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall prediction performance, reducing the complexity burden of the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate representations (metadata and features) that serve as mediators between raw input data and final predictions. The metadata recognition module generates structured metadata from images and sensor data, which is then encoded into features by the feature encoding module before being processed by the behavior prediction module. These intermediaries make the decision-making process more interpretable while maintaining prediction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If more complex models and supplemental techniques are added to improve behavior prediction, then prediction accuracy is improved, but computing resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidcomputing resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and processes only the most relevant features from the input data through the metadata recognition and feature encoding modules. Instead of processing all raw data through complex models, the system selectively extracts key metadata (object positions, velocities, accelerations) and encodes only these essential features, thereby reducing unnecessary computing resource consumption while maintaining prediction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the input data through parameter changes at each processing stage: converting images and sensor data into metadata parameters, then transforming metadata into encoded features with different dimensional representations. These parameter transformations allow the system to work with compact, efficient representations rather than raw data, reducing computational load while preserving critical information for accurate prediction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If deep learning networks are used for behavior prediction, then prediction capability is improved, but explainability of decision-making processes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction capabilityVSAvoidexplainability information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the behavior prediction module's outputs are analyzed to understand which input features most influenced the predictions. The system provides feedback about the importance of different metadata features and their contribution to trajectory predictions, making the decision-making process transparent and explainable while maintaining high prediction capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the system to self-explain its predictions through the structured processing pipeline. The metadata recognition and feature encoding modules automatically generate interpretable representations that reveal which objects and features most influenced the behavior predictions. This self-service capability allows the system to provide its own explanations without requiring external interpretation tools, preserving both prediction capability and explainability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3913527B1Method and device for performing behavior prediction by using explainable self-focused attention
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 STRADVISION
  • EP3913527B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3913527B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3913527B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for predicting behavior using explainable self-focused attention is provided. The method includes steps of: a behavior prediction device, (a) inputting test images and the sensing information acquired from a moving subject into a metadata recognition module to apply learning operation to output metadata, and inputting the metadata into a feature encoding module to output features; (b) inputting the test images, the metadata, and the features into an explaining module to generate explanation information on affecting factors affecting behavior predictions, inputting the test images and the metadata into a self-focused attention module to output attention maps, and inputting the features and the attention maps into a behavior prediction module to generate the behavior predictions; and (c) allowing an outputting module to output behavior results and allowing a visualization module to visualize and output the affecting factors by referring to the explanation information and the behavior results.