Multi-Task Neural Network for Query Intent and Named Entity Recognition

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current Named Entity Recognition (NER) techniques fail to accurately determine query intent alongside named entities in unstructured text, leading to separate management and analysis of these tasks, which limits accuracy and responsiveness in applications like retail websites.

Innovation Solution

A neural network model is employed that incorporates both a named entity tag learning loss function and an intent classification loss function, allowing for concurrent determination of query intent and named entities, improving identification through shared layers and multitask learning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate NER and intent classification models are used, then task specialization is improved, but system complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenamed entity recognition accuracyVSAvoidmodel architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines NER and intent classification into a single unified neural network model that processes query text simultaneously for both tasks. The model shares embedding layers and uses a single prediction head that outputs both entity tags and intent classifications, eliminating the need for separate models while maintaining accuracy through multi-task learning with appropriate loss functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified model is designed to perform multiple functions: it simultaneously identifies named entities, classifies query intent, and leverages shared representations across tasks. The architecture enables the model to be universally applicable to both NER and intent classification tasks without requiring separate specialized models, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate NER and intent analysis are performed, then task independence is maintained, but processing speed and responsiveness decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask analysis accuracyVSAvoidquery processing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The unified model enables continuous processing where NER and intent classification occur simultaneously in a single forward pass through the neural network. The shared layers continuously learn from both tasks together, eliminating the need for sequential processing and improving query responsiveness while maintaining accurate analysis through joint training with combined loss functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If intent information is integrated into NER, then identification precision improves, but model complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenamed entity identification accuracyVSAvoidloss function complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The model uses parameter changes in the loss function design to balance the complexity-precision tradeoff. By implementing a combined loss function that weights NER and intent classification losses appropriately, the model integrates intent information to improve entity identification precision while controlling complexity through parameter optimization rather than architectural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11934785B2Multi-task learning of query intent and named entities
Publication Date: 2024.03.19 TARGET BRANDS INC
  • US11934785B2 patent drawing
  • US11934785B2 patent drawing
  • US11934785B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for performing multi-task learning of query intent and named entities are provided. One method includes receiving a query comprising query text. The method further includes providing the query text to a neural network model implemented on a computing system, the neural network model having a plurality of layers, wherein at least one layer comprises a plurality of loss functions including a named entity tag learning loss function and an intent classification loss function. The method also includes obtaining, from the neural network model, an identification of a named entity and a query intent derived from the query text. A query response may be formulated based, at least in part, on the named entity and query intent.