Certifying Machine Learning Models via Continuous Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Machine learning models in safety-critical applications, such as air traffic control, lack predictability and transparency, making it difficult to certify their decisions and classifications, especially under hostile attacks.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for verifying machine learning models in safety-critical environments involves determining technical and operational characteristics, generating optimized models based on operational feedback, and using a verification simulator to ensure predictability and comprehensibility of classifications through continuous testing and simulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If machine learning algorithms are used for speech recognition in safety-critical applications, then recognition accuracy and pattern recognition capability are improved, but predictability and certification reliability deteriorate due to non-deterministic behavior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition accuracyVSAvoidpredictability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by conducting continuous testing and verification of machine learning models before deployment in safety-critical applications. The system performs pre-certification testing using simulated hostile attacks and boundary conditions to establish predictability thresholds before the model is deployed, ensuring that the non-deterministic algorithm meets safety requirements in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the machine learning model's performance during operation and using this feedback to update and re-verify the model. The system captures operational data, compares it against verification thresholds, and triggers re-certification when deviations are detected, creating a closed-loop system that maintains predictability despite the algorithm's non-deterministic nature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If continuous testing and verification of machine learning models is performed, then certification reliability and predictability are improved, but testing time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecertification reliabilityVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing continuous testing and verification at scheduled intervals and triggered events rather than requiring exhaustive testing before every deployment. The system performs periodic certification checks and updates the verification status based on operational experience, reducing overall testing time while maintaining reliability through regular monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by establishing verification thresholds and test protocols in advance during the model development phase. By pre-defining acceptance criteria, test scenarios, and verification methods, the system reduces the time required for certification during deployment while ensuring comprehensive reliability assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If machine learning models are adapted periodically based on operational feedback, then model performance and accuracy are improved, but verification complexity and certification difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel performanceVSAvoidverification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by systematically capturing operational data from deployed machine learning models and using this feedback to trigger verification processes. When operational feedback indicates performance degradation or deviation from expected behavior, the system automatically initiates re-verification, creating a managed adaptation process that balances performance improvement with verification complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by monitoring specific performance parameters and verification thresholds during model adaptation. The system tracks changes in model behavior against predefined parameters and only triggers full verification when parameter deviations exceed acceptable limits, reducing verification complexity while maintaining model performance through targeted re-certification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4379602A1Method for certification of periodically adapted machine learning models
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 FREQUENTIS
  • EP4379602A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4379602A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4379602A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-implemented method (10) for verifying machine learning models in safety-critical environments is disclosed. The computer-implemented method (10) comprises determining (S120) technical characteristics (25) and operational characteristics (30) for a selected operational machine learning model (15) in a simulation environment (20), continuously testing (S130) the selected operational machine learning model (15), generating (S150) a number n of optimized machine learning models (15a-15n), selecting (S160) one of the n optimized machine learning models (15a-15n), and verifying (S170) the selected optimized machine learning model (15a-15n). The continuous testing (S130) includes acquiring (S140) operational feedback (35). The generation (S150) of the n optimized machine learning models (15a-15n) is carried out taking into account the operational feedback (35). The verification (S170) is carried out using a verification simulator (40).