Logit-Adjusted Neural Classification for Long-Tail Categories

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional classification neural networks struggle with generalizing on long-tail categories due to insufficient training examples and bias towards dominant categories, making them unsuitable for accurate classification in real-world scenarios.

Innovation Solution

Adapting the training process using a logit adjusted loss function and resampling techniques to balance the distribution of training data, and adjusting scores during inference to account for the long-tail distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional classification neural networks are trained on long-tail training data, then the model can process both dominant and long-tail categories, but the model achieves poor generalization on long-tail categories due to insufficient training examples

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclassification capability across categoriesVSAvoidgeneralization accuracy on long-tail categories
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the loss function parameters during training. Specifically, it uses a modified loss function that incorporates class frequency information to adjust the weighting of gradients from different categories. This allows the model to learn from imbalanced data while compensating for the scarcity of long-tail examples through parameter adjustment, thereby improving generalization on underrepresented categories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetry by treating dominant and long-tail categories differently in the training process. The loss function applies different weights to errors from different category types, creating an asymmetric training objective that compensates for the inherent asymmetry in data distribution. This asymmetric approach allows the model to achieve better balance in performance across categories despite the imbalanced training data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Productivity

If conventional classification neural networks are trained on long-tail training data, then the model can be deployed for real-world classification tasks, but the model exhibits undesirable bias towards dominant categories

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment readinessVSAvoidclassification accuracy balance across categories
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies training parameters by incorporating class priors or frequency-based weighting into the loss function. This parameter adjustment ensures that the model learns to balance accuracy across categories rather than optimizing solely for dominant categories, making the model suitable for deployment in real-world scenarios where balanced performance is critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the modified loss function that incorporates information about category distribution. The loss function provides feedback during training about the imbalance in category representation, guiding the optimization process to compensate for this imbalance. This feedback loop ensures that the model develops balanced classification capabilities across all categories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional training techniques are used on long-tail training data, then the training process is simple and fast, but the trained classifier is not suitable for accurate classification in both dominant and long-tail categories

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining simplicityVSAvoidclassification suitability for real-world tasks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains ease of training by modifying the loss function parameters rather than changing the fundamental training architecture or process. The modified loss function can be integrated into existing training pipelines with minimal changes, preserving computational efficiency while improving classification performance on long-tail categories through parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12530576B2Accounting for long-tail training data through logit adjustment
Publication Date: 2026.01.20 GOOGLE LLC
  • US12530576B2 patent drawing
  • US12530576B2 patent drawing
  • US12530576B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for accounting for long-tail training data.