Neural Network Knowledge Module for Data Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to retain knowledge from large training data records used in machine learning for vehicle technology while ensuring compliance with data protection regulations, as deleting original data records poses legal issues.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that train complex neural network structures, particularly deep neural networks, to optimize representativity, allowing knowledge to be extracted and stored in a data-record-specific knowledge module, which can be used post-deletion of the original data record without violating data protection laws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If large training data records are retained to preserve knowledge for machine learning, then knowledge availability is improved, but data protection compliance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveknowledge retentionVSAvoiddata protection compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts knowledge from training data records by training neural network models that learn patterns and representations. The trained models encapsulate the essential knowledge without containing the original personal data, allowing knowledge retention while removing data protection risks. This is achieved through the training process where models learn from data and then the original data can be deleted while preserving the learned knowledge in the model parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates abstract representations or copies of the knowledge contained in training data through neural network models. These models serve as simplified copies that capture the essential patterns and relationships without replicating the original personal data. The models can be shared and reused across different applications, enabling knowledge transfer while maintaining data protection since the models themselves do not contain personal information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If original training data records are deleted to comply with data protection regulations, then data protection compliance is improved, but knowledge availability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protection complianceVSAvoidknowledge availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary knowledge extraction by training neural network models before deleting the original training data. The training process captures and stores knowledge in the model parameters and weights. Once the models are trained and the knowledge is embedded in them, the original training data can be safely deleted while the knowledge remains preserved in the model structures, enabling compliance with data protection regulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the training data into a different parameter representation through the neural network training process. The original data parameters are converted into model parameters (weights, biases, architecture configurations) that represent the same knowledge in an abstract form. This parameter transformation allows the knowledge to be retained in a format that does not reveal personal information, enabling data deletion while preserving knowledge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If training data is anonymized by removing personal details, then data protection compliance is improved, but knowledge quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protection complianceVSAvoidknowledge quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of manually removing personal details with an automated machine learning process. Neural networks automatically learn to identify and focus on relevant patterns and features while inherently ignoring or abstracting personal identifying information. This substitution of manual anonymization with automated learning preserves knowledge quality because the models learn the essential patterns without being constrained by manual filtering, which often removes valuable contextual information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11487295B2Method and device for abstracting a data record
Publication Date: 2022.11.01 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • US11487295B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for abstracting a data record, wherein the data record is provided for machine learning at least one function, comprising the following steps: Training a complex neural network structure comprising different neural networks in the at least one function by way of machine learning based on the data record by means of a machine learning control apparatus, wherein the neural networks and the complex neural network structure are optimized with respect to maximum representativity of the data record, providing the trained complex neural network structure in the form of a data-record-specific knowledge module so that knowledge contained in the data record can be further used in a manner compliant with data protection. The invention further relates to an associated device.