Neural Watchdog for Autonomous Error Detection and Recovery

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Artificial neural networks are prone to errors and unexpected behavior, necessitating a system to detect and recover from errors in a neural network.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for monitoring neural network activity, detecting conditions based on that activity, and performing exception events to mitigate potential system failures, including a neural monitor that can reset or reconfigure the network to prevent failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a neural network operates autonomously without monitoring, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to undetected errors and unexpected behavior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneural network reliabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The neural network performs self-monitoring by having its own neurons detect abnormal activity patterns and trigger self-correction mechanisms, eliminating the need for external monitoring systems while maintaining high reliability through autonomous error detection and recovery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system uses feedback loops where neuron activity is continuously observed, abnormal patterns are detected, and corrective actions are automatically applied to restore normal functioning, creating a closed-loop system that improves reliability without requiring complex external intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If monitoring and exception handling mechanisms are added to detect errors, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to additional monitoring components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection capabilityVSAvoidmonitoring apparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Neurons in the neural network serve multiple functions: they perform their primary computational role while simultaneously acting as monitoring units that detect abnormal activity patterns, eliminating the need for separate dedicated monitoring components and reducing overall system complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring function is merged with the computational function of the neural network neurons themselves, combining error detection and normal processing into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate monitoring hardware or software layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the neural network continues operating without intervention, then productivity is maintained, but harmful factors increase due to potential system failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidsystem failure risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares corrective actions in advance by pre-defining exception handling protocols and recovery mechanisms that are automatically activated when abnormal patterns are detected, cushioning against potential system failures and enabling continuous operation without catastrophic failures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9460382B2Neural watchdog
Publication Date: 2016.10.04 QUALCOMM INC
  • US9460382B2 patent drawing
  • US9460382B2 patent drawing
  • US9460382B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of monitoring a neural network includes monitoring activity of the neural network. The method also includes detecting a condition based on the activity. The method further includes performing an exception event based on the detected condition.