Imitation Learning Feedback for Quantitative Apprentice Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional imitation learning methods are challenging to apply to human apprentices as they require direct observation of brain and body actions, making it difficult to quantify and efficiently train human apprentices to learn expert policies.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus using a framework of imitation learning observes actions of a human apprentice, generates feedback based on expert actions, and provides feedback to the apprentice to bring their actions closer to those of the expert, utilizing a plurality of sensors and feedback devices to ensure quantitative and efficient training.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional imitation learning is applied to human apprentices, then quantitative evaluation and continuous training become possible, but direct observation of brain and body actions is required which makes the system complex and difficult to implement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantitative evaluation of apprentice actionsVSAvoidobservation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary information processing apparatus that mediates between the expert and apprentice. This apparatus receives action information from both parties, processes it through imitation learning algorithms, and generates feedback without requiring direct observation of brain and body actions. The intermediary system simplifies the overall architecture while enabling quantitative evaluation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical/biological observation systems with information processing systems. Instead of directly observing brain and body actions through complex sensors, the system processes action information data through computational algorithms, substituting physical observation mechanisms with digital processing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If an expert provides direct feedback to apprentices, then learning quality improves, but the expert can only teach a small number of apprentices simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelearning qualityVSAvoidnumber of apprentices trained simultaneously

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service through automated feedback generation. The information processing apparatus automatically analyzes apprentice actions and generates feedback based on comparison with expert actions, eliminating the need for manual intervention from the expert. This allows the system to serve multiple apprentices simultaneously without reducing learning quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical limitation of human expert capacity with automated information processing systems. The system uses computational algorithms to provide feedback to multiple apprentices simultaneously, substituting the biological constraint of human attention span with digital processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If an expert provides continuous feedback during learning, then training effectiveness improves, but real-time coaching becomes difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining effectivenessVSAvoidreal-time coaching availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action through automated feedback systems that operate continuously without interruption. The information processing apparatus can continuously monitor apprentice actions and provide feedback in real-time, maintaining constant training effectiveness without the time losses associated with manual expert intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual real-time coaching with automated information processing that operates continuously. The computational system can process action information and generate feedback instantaneously, maintaining real-time coaching availability without the temporal constraints of human response time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260073803A1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

The present technology makes it possible to efficiently and quantitatively implement training for a human apprentice to learn a policy of an expert. An information processing apparatus includes processing circuitry configured to receive information corresponding to actions of a task by a first human, generate feedback by using a framework of imitation learning, the feedback indicating changes to the received actions of the task, the indicated changes being based on actions of a second human performing the task, and output information corresponding to the feedback to the first human who is performing the actions of the task.