Self-Organizing Map for Semi-Supervised Data Labeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The scarcity of labeled data in classification tasks hinders the effectiveness of machine learning algorithms, as they require large amounts of labeled data for training, while unlabeled data is abundant but often underutilized.

Innovation Solution

A self-organizing map (SOM) is used to label unlabeled data based on proximity to labeled data, generating self-labeled data that can be combined with labeled data to enhance classification performance, employing a hybrid neural network model that integrates both types of data for improved classification outcomes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional classification algorithms are used, then classification accuracy can be achieved, but the availability of labeled data is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclassification accuracyVSAvoidamount of labeled data
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables unlabeled data to self-assign labels through the self-organizing map clustering process. Each data point automatically determines its own category based on proximity to cluster centers, eliminating the need for manual labeling while maintaining classification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The self-organizing map acts as an intermediary between unlabeled data and classification requirements. It transforms unlabeled data into labeled data by introducing cluster centers as intermediate representations that bridge the gap between raw data and classification categories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If unlabeled data is used directly without processing, then data availability increases, but classification performance deteriorates due to lack of labels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata availabilityVSAvoidclassification performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary clustering and label assignment on unlabeled data before final classification. The self-organizing map pre-processes unlabeled data by assigning temporary labels based on cluster proximity, preparing it for subsequent classification tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the state of unlabeled data by assigning label parameters through the self-organizing map. This transformation converts data from an unlabeled state to a labeled state, enabling its use in classification algorithms that require labeled inputs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If manual labeling is performed to obtain labeled data, then classification accuracy improves, but time consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclassification accuracyVSAvoidlabeling time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system eliminates manual labeling by enabling automated self-labeling through self-organizing map clustering. Data points automatically assign themselves to categories based on their proximity to cluster centers, replacing time-consuming manual processes with automated computation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical process of manual labeling with an automated computational process. The self-organizing map algorithm substitutes human experts with a mathematical model that automatically assigns labels based on data characteristics and cluster proximity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP1903479B1Method and system for data classification using a self-organizing map
Publication Date: 2014.03.12 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC
  • EP1903479B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1903479B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1903479B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The described embodiments relate to methods and systems for data classification using a self-organizing map. Certain embodiments relate to a method of labeling data for training a classifier, comprising: obtaining data, the data comprising labeled data and unlabeled data; generating a self-organizing map of the data; and a labeling at least some of the unlabeled data based on proximity of the unlabeled data to labeled data within the self-organizing map to generate self-labeled data. The method may include training a classifier based on the labeled and self-labeled data. Other embodiments relate to systems and computer readable media configured to perform, or allow performance of, the method embodiments.