Spiking Neural Network Platform for Biological Simulation and Weight Learning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current computing platforms for spiking neural networks (SNNs) lack the ability to simulate biological characteristics and learn parameters, hindering research in both biology and artificial intelligence, as they cannot reproduce brain-like intelligence or perform physiological dynamics analysis.

Innovation Solution

A computing platform with a neuron dynamics simulation module, neuron conversion module, SNN construction and weight learning module, and neural network level parameter and weight access module, which simulates neuron behavior, updates connection weights, and stores network parameters, enabling SNN learning and simulation with biological accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing computing platforms for simulation are used, then various complex brain network structures and dynamic phenomena of brain neurons can be reproduced, but the platforms cannot learn parameters such as network weights according to input and output

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation accuracyVSAvoidlearning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges simulation capabilities and machine learning capabilities into a single computing platform. The SNN construction module integrates both the simulation of neuron dynamics and the learning of network weights through algorithms like STDP, allowing the platform to simultaneously reproduce brain network structures and learn from data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The computing platform is designed to perform multiple functions: it can simulate complex brain network structures, model neuron dynamics, learn network weights through biological learning algorithms, and process various types of neural network architectures. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the platform both a simulation tool and a learning system.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional ANN computing platforms are used, then machine learning operations can be performed, but biological characteristics cannot be displayed and neuron-level calculations cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine learning capabilityVSAvoidbiological accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters and calculation methods to match biological neuron behavior. Instead of using conventional ANN activation functions, the platform implements neuron membrane voltage accumulation models where spike signals are generated when voltage exceeds thresholds. This allows the platform to maintain machine learning capability while achieving biological accuracy in neuron-level calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical computation model of conventional ANNs with a biologically-inspired electrochemical model. Neuron dynamics are simulated using differential equations that model membrane voltage changes, ion channel behavior, and synaptic transmission, substituting the abstract mathematical operations of ANNs with physically-based biological models.

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

3Reliability

If SNN learning algorithms with strong biological features are implemented, then biological characteristics are preserved, but calculation processes become significantly different from conventional ANN

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiological fidelityVSAvoidcalculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex SNN calculation process into distinct functional modules: neuron dynamics simulation module that handles membrane voltage calculations, synapse module that manages synaptic transmission and plasticity, and learning algorithm module that implements STDP and other biological learning rules. This modular segmentation makes the complex biological calculations more manageable and implementable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate representations and data structures that bridge the gap between biological neuron models and computational implementation. The neuron conversion module transforms continuous differential equations into discrete difference equations that can be efficiently computed, serving as an intermediary that preserves biological fidelity while reducing computational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240013035A1Computing platform, method, and apparatus for spiking neural network learning and simulation
Publication Date: 2024.01.11 ZHEJIANG LAB
  • US20240013035A1 patent drawing
  • US20240013035A1 patent drawing
  • US20240013035A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A computing platform (10), a method, and an apparatus (20) for spiking neural network (SNN) learning and simulation are provided. The computing platform (10) includes a neuron dynamics simulation module (11), a neuron conversion module (12), an SNN construction and weight learning module (13), and a neural network level parameter and weight access module (14). The neuron dynamics simulation module (11) simulates changing features of neurons. The neuron conversion module (12) performs operations on a calculation graph. The SNN construction and weight learning module (13) updates and iterates connection weights. The neural network level parameter and weight access module (14) stores overall network detail parameters.