Sensor Trigger Classification for Edge-Case Training Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine learning systems face challenges in obtaining sufficient and diverse training data, particularly for complex tasks like autonomous driving, which limits their performance and generalizability.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that rapidly generates training data by leveraging vehicles equipped with sensors to capture and classify specific image features or objects, using trigger classifiers to identify relevant data and transmit it for use in improving machine learning models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional methods of collecting, curating, and annotating training data are used, then data quality can be maintained, but the process requires significant time and resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata qualityVSAvoidtime required for data collection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service data collection by automatically generating synthetic training data through simulation environments. The simulation system autonomously creates labeled training datasets without requiring manual annotation, thereby maintaining data quality while eliminating the time-consuming manual curation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-generating synthetic training data through simulations before actual deployment. By creating realistic training scenarios in advance through virtual environments, the system prepares high-quality labeled data that can be directly used for model training, avoiding the need for time-consuming field data collection and annotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If more training data is collected to improve model performance on specific use cases, then model accuracy improves, but the complexity and cost of data collection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel performanceVSAvoiddata collection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses copying by creating synthetic replicas of real-world scenarios through simulation environments. Instead of collecting diverse real-world data for every possible use case, the system generates copies of training scenarios programmatically, maintaining model performance while avoiding the complexity of physical data collection infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The simulation-based system provides universality by using a single data generation platform to create training data for multiple different use cases and scenarios. This multi-functional approach allows the system to generate diverse training datasets without requiring separate complex collection systems for each specific application domain.

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

3Measurement precision

If manual annotation of training data is performed to ensure data accuracy, then data precision is maintained, but the process becomes tedious and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata annotation accuracyVSAvoiddata generation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service annotation by automatically generating labeled training data through simulation environments. The synthetic data generation process inherently includes accurate labels and annotations without requiring human annotators, thereby maintaining data precision while dramatically increasing data generation productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical process of manual annotation with an automated computational approach. By using simulation engines and algorithms to generate and label training data automatically, the system substitutes human annotation efforts with machine-based processes, maintaining accuracy while eliminating the tedious and resource-intensive nature of manual work.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3850549B1System and method for obtaining training data
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 TESLA INC
  • EP3850549B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3850549B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3850549B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Systems and methods for obtaining training data are described. An example method includes receiving sensor and applying a neural network to the sensor data. A trigger classifier is applied to an intermediate result of the neural network to determine a classifier score for the sensor data. Based at least in part on the classifier score, a determination is made whether to transmit via a computer network at least a portion of the sensor data. Upon a positive determination, the sensor data is transmitted and used to generate training data.