Word Embedding Matrix Initialization Using Class Information

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neural network language models (NNLMs) lack effective initialization methods that leverage pre-estimated or pre-defined class information, leading to suboptimal performance in language processing tasks.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where a word embedding matrix is initialized based on pre-determined word classes, with matrix entries associated with a word's class set to a non-zero value and others set to zero, followed by training the neural network using this initialized matrix to generate a neural network language model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If word embeddings are randomly initialized and jointly trained in the NNLM, then the model can learn word representations from data, but the training process requires more time and computational resources to converge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveword embedding accuracyVSAvoidtraining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-initializing word embeddings using external resources (word frequencies, part-of-speech tags, or pre-trained embeddings) before training the NNLM. This preliminary initialization provides the model with better starting representations, allowing it to converge faster during training while maintaining or improving final accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the initialization parameters of word embeddings from random values to structured values derived from external linguistic resources. By modifying the initial parameter values based on word frequencies, POS tags, or pre-trained models, the system achieves better convergence properties and reduces training time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If word embeddings are initialized with class information, then the model achieves better performance in language processing tasks, but the initialization process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelanguage processing performanceVSAvoidinitialization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses external linguistic resources (word frequency tables, part-of-speech taggers, or pre-trained embedding models) as intermediaries to generate initial word embeddings. These intermediary resources provide structured class information that improves model performance without requiring the NNLM architecture itself to become more complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the initialization parameters by incorporating class information from external sources. Instead of using uniform or random initialization, the system adjusts initial parameters based on linguistic properties such as word frequency, part-of-speech categories, or semantic similarities from pre-trained models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If all matrix entries are initialized to non-zero values, then the model captures more word nuances, but the risk of overfitting increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveword representation precisionVSAvoidmodel generalization
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by initializing different entries in the word embedding matrix with different strategies. High-frequency words or words with known linguistic properties receive structured non-zero initialization, while less important entries may be initialized to zero or with simpler patterns. This differentiated approach captures necessary word nuances while reducing overall model complexity and overfitting risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11341413B2Leveraging class information to initialize a neural network language model
Publication Date: 2022.05.24 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US11341413B2 patent drawing
  • US11341413B2 patent drawing
  • US11341413B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for language processing includes initializing a word embedding matrix based on pre-determined word classes, such that matrix entries associated with a class of which a word is a member are initialized to a non-zero value and other entries are initialized to zero. A neural network is trained based on the initialized word embedding matrix to generate a neural network language model. A language processing task is performed using the neural network language model.