Uncertainty-based modulation for lifelong learning

Class-incremental learning with Balanced Embedding Discrimination Maximization

Class incremental learning is committed to solving representation learning and classification assignments while avoiding catastrophic forgetting in scenarios where categories are increasing. In this work, a unified method named Balanced Embedding Discrimination Maximization (BEDM) is developed to make the intermediate embedding more distinctive. Specifically, we utilize an orthogonality constraint based on doubly-blocked Toeplitz matrix to minimize the correlation of convolution kernels, and an algorithm for similarity visualization is introduced. Furthermore, uneven samples and distribution shift among old and new tasks eventuate strongly biased classifiers. To mitigate the imbalance, we propose an adaptive balance weighting in softmax to compensate insufficient categories dynamically. In addition, hybrid embedding learning is introduced to preserve knowledge from old models, which involves less hyper-parameters than conventional knowledge distillation. Our proposed method outperforms the existing approaches on three mainstream benchmark datasets. Moreover, we technically visualize that our method can produce a more uniform similarity histogram and more stable spectrum. Grad-CAM and t-SNE visualizations further confirm its effectiveness. Code is available at https://github.com/wqzh/BEDM.

Incremental Cluster Validity Index-Guided Online Learning for Performance and Robustness to Presentation Order

In streaming data applications, the incoming samples are processed and discarded, and therefore, intelligent decision-making is crucial for the performance of lifelong learning systems. In addition, the order in which the samples arrive may heavily affect the performance of incremental learners. The recently introduced incremental cluster validity indices (iCVIs) provide valuable aid in addressing such class of problems. Their primary use case has been cluster quality monitoring; nonetheless, they have been recently integrated in a streaming clustering method. In this context, the work presented, here, introduces the first adaptive resonance theory (ART)-based model that uses iCVIs for unsupervised and semi-supervised online learning. Moreover, it shows how to use iCVIs to regulate ART vigilance via an iCVI-based match tracking mechanism. The model achieves improved accuracy and robustness to ordering effects by integrating an online iCVI module as module B of a topological ART predictive mapping (TopoARTMAP)-thereby being named iCVI-TopoARTMAP-and using iCVI-driven postprocessing heuristics at the end of each learning step. The online iCVI module provides assignments of input samples to clusters at each iteration in accordance to any of the several iCVIs. The iCVI-TopoARTMAP maintains useful properties shared by the ART predictive mapping (ARTMAP) models, such as stability, immunity to catastrophic forgetting, and the many-to-one mapping capability via the map field module. The performance and robustness to the presentation order of iCVI-TopoARTMAP were evaluated via experiments with synthetic and real-world datasets.

A domain-agnostic approach for characterization of lifelong learning systems

Despite the advancement of machine learning techniques in recent years, state-of-the-art systems lack robustness to "real world" events, where the input distributions and tasks encountered by the deployed systems will not be limited to the original training context, and systems will instead need to adapt to novel distributions and tasks while deployed. This critical gap may be addressed through the development of "Lifelong Learning" systems that are capable of (1) Continuous Learning, (2) Transfer and Adaptation, and (3) Scalability. Unfortunately, efforts to improve these capabilities are typically treated as distinct areas of research that are assessed independently, without regard to the impact of each separate capability on other aspects of the system. We instead propose a holistic approach, using a suite of metrics and an evaluation framework to assess Lifelong Learning in a principled way that is agnostic to specific domains or system techniques. Through five case studies, we show that this suite of metrics can inform the development of varied and complex Lifelong Learning systems. We highlight how the proposed suite of metrics quantifies performance trade-offs present during Lifelong Learning system development - both the widely discussed Stability-Plasticity dilemma and the newly proposed relationship between Sample Efficient and Robust Learning. Further, we make recommendations for the formulation and use of metrics to guide the continuing development of Lifelong Learning systems and assess their progress in the future.

Remembrance of things perceived: Adding thalamocortical function to artificial neural networks

Recent research has illuminated the complexity and importance of the thalamocortical system but it has been difficult to identify what computational functions it performs. Meanwhile, deep-learning artificial neural networks (ANNs) based on bio-inspired models of purely cortical circuits have achieved surprising success solving sophisticated cognitive problems associated historically with human intelligence. Nevertheless, the limitations and shortcomings of artificial intelligence (AI) based on such ANNs are becoming increasingly clear. This review considers how the addition of thalamocortical connectivity and its putative functions related to cortical attention might address some of those shortcomings. Such bio-inspired models are now providing both testable theories of biological cognition and improved AI technology, much of which is happening outside the usual academic venues.