Neural Network Encoder Decoder Optimization via Segmented Cell Types

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods are unable to efficiently optimize the architecture of neural networks with encoders and decoders within a reasonable time using a single GPU, limiting their ability to perform complex tasks like depth determination from stereo images or semantic segmentation.

Innovation Solution

A method that includes providing different cell types connected in a predeterminable order, with reduction and upsampling cells to adjust resolution, and using gradient descent for parameter optimization, allowing for efficient optimization of neural networks with encoders and decoders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If known optimization methods are used for neural networks with encoders and decoders, then optimization capability is maintained, but computational cost becomes extremely expensive and optimization time becomes unreasonable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimization speedVSAvoidcomputational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the neural network architecture into standardized cell types (encoder cells and decoder cells) with specific functions. Each cell type handles specific operations (downsampling, upsampling, feature extraction), allowing the optimization process to work with modular units rather than the entire complex network at once, thus reducing computational burden while maintaining optimization capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameterization approach by representing cell connections and operations as learnable parameters that can be optimized efficiently. The architecture search space is parameterized such that optimization can proceed with reasonable computational cost, transforming the discrete architecture search into a continuous parameter optimization problem

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If complex neural networks with encoders and decoders are optimized, then task performance for demanding tasks improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask performanceVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex neural network is divided into standardized cell types with specific functions (encoder cells for downsampling and feature extraction, decoder cells for upsampling and reconstruction). This segmentation makes the complex architecture manageable and optimizable while maintaining the capability to perform demanding tasks through proper cell composition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates universal cell types that can serve multiple functions within the encoder-decoder architecture. These cells are designed to handle various operations (convolution, pooling, upsampling) in a unified manner, reducing the need for specialized complex components while maintaining task performance

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

Data Source

PatentEP3956820B1Method, device and computer program for creating a neuronal network
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3956820B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3956820B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3956820B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (20) for creating a neuronal network (40) which comprises an encoder that is connected to a decoder. The optimization method DARTS is used, wherein a further cell type is added to the known cell-types of DARTS. The invention further relates to a computer program and to a device for carrying out the method (30) as well as to a machine-readable memory element, in which the computer program is stored.