Rule Encoder Integrating Symbolic Knowledge Into Deep Learning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Deep learning systems face challenges in accessing and incorporating symbolic knowledge, which limits their effectiveness in processing certain types of data and making informed decisions, particularly in medical contexts where explicit rules and constraints are crucial.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a rule encoder machine learning model that corrects internal representations of input data using symbolic information, combined with a data encoder and decoder, to generate predictions that adhere to symbolic constraints, allowing the system to update parameters and improve compliance with these rules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If deep learning models process data using traditional methods, then they can extract information from large amounts of input/output pairs, but they cannot effectively incorporate symbolic knowledge and constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesymbolic knowledgeVSAvoidability to incorporate constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a rule encoder as an intermediary component that translates symbolic knowledge and constraints into numerical representations that can be integrated with deep learning models. This mediator bridges the gap between traditional deep learning processing and symbolic knowledge incorporation, allowing the system to maintain both data-driven learning and constraint adherence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges deep learning models with symbolic knowledge representation by combining the data encoder, rule encoder, and decoder into a unified system. This integration allows the model to process both numerical data and symbolic constraints simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between processing large datasets and incorporating symbolic knowledge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If symbolic knowledge is added to deep learning systems, then predictions can align with physical laws and constraints, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the system into distinct functional components: a data encoder for processing input data, a rule encoder for incorporating symbolic knowledge, and a decoder for generating predictions. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific tasks independently, managing overall system complexity while improving reliability through specialized processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the rule encoder continuously adjusts the embedded representation based on symbolic constraints, and the loss function provides feedback on prediction accuracy. This feedback loop ensures that predictions align with physical laws while maintaining manageable system complexity through iterative optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If rule encoder corrects internal representations, then predictions adhere to symbolic constraints, but computational cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstraint complianceVSAvoidcomputational resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial correction by using the rule encoder to adjust only the portions of the embedded representation that need to comply with symbolic constraints, rather than processing the entire representation uniformly. This selective approach maintains constraint compliance while reducing unnecessary computational overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters dynamically by adjusting the weight and influence of symbolic constraints based on the specific task requirements. The loss function modulates the impact of rule violations, allowing the system to prioritize constraint compliance when needed while reducing computational emphasis when data-driven predictions are sufficient, thus optimizing resource usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240378440A1Symbolic knowledge in deep machine learning
Publication Date: 2024.11.14 NEC LABORATORIES AMERICA INC
  • US20240378440A1 patent drawing
  • US20240378440A1 patent drawing
  • US20240378440A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for deep learning include encoding input data, using a data encoder machine learning model, to generate an embedded representation of the input data. A correction is added to the input data with a rule encoder machine learning model to generate a corrected representation. The corrected representation is decoded using a data decoder machine learning model to generate a prediction. Parameters of the rule encoder machine learning model are updated using a loss function that encodes symbolic information relating to the prediction.