CPC Definition - Subclass G06N

Last Updated Version: 2023.02
COMPUTING ARRANGEMENTS BASED ON SPECIFIC COMPUTATIONAL MODELS
Definition statement

This place covers:

Computing systems where the computation is not based on a traditional mathematical model of computer

Computing arrangements based on biological models
Definition statement

This place covers:

Computing systems where the computation is based on biological models (brains, intelligence, consciousness, genetic reproduction) or is using physical material of biological origin (biomolecules, DNA, biological neurons, etc.) to perform the computation. The computation can be digital, analogue or chemical in nature.

Relationships with other classification places

Classification in this group or its subgroups is expected only if the invention concerns the development of a computer. DNA and proteins biomaterials as such, should be classified in the relevant groups of (bio) chemistry.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Computer systems using knowledge based models

G06N 5/00

Probabilistic networks

G06N 7/01

Computers systems using fuzzy logic

G06N 7/02

Machine Learning

G06N 20/00

Analogue computers simulating functional aspects of living beings

G06G 7/60

Memories whose operation depends upon chemical change

G11C 13/02

Bioinformatics

G16B

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "biocomputers", "biological computers", "nanocomputers", "neural networks" and "artificial life"
{Biomolecular computers, i.e. using biomolecules, proteins, cells (using DNA G06N 3/123; using neurons G06N 3/061)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Computers using actual physical material of biochemical origin or material as used in carbon-based living systems, i.e. biomolecules, proteins, cells or other biochemicals to perform computation.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Computers using real biological neurons integrated on chips

G06N 3/061

Computers using DNA

G06N 3/123

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Computation based on Inorganic chemicals

G06N 99/007

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "biocomputers", "wetware", "biochemical computers", "biochips" and "living computers"
Artificial life, i.e. computing arrangements simulating life
Definition statement

This place covers:

Creation of synthetic life forms that are based on models of or are inspired by carbon-based life forms but are actually implemented on/or controlled by standard silicon-based computers.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Biological life forms that are created involving biological genetic engineering, e.g. clones

C12N 15/00

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Alife

Artificial life

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "Alife", "artificial life", synthetic life" and "virtual creatures "
based on simulated virtual individual or collective life forms, e.g. social simulations or particle swarm optimisation [PSO]
Definition statement

This place covers:

Software simulations on standard silicon-based digital computers of systems exhibiting behaviour normally ascribed to life forms.

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics

G16H 50/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Computer games

A63F 13/00

Information retrieval

G06F 16/00

Computer Aided Design [CAD]

G06F 30/00

Collaborative systems - Groupware

G06Q 10/00

Image processing for animations

G06T 13/00

Protocols for games, networked simulations or virtual reality

H04L 67/131

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "metaverse", "virtual reality", "virtual world", "virtual society", "social simulations", "particle swarm", "ant colony", "artificial immune systems"
based on physical entities controlled by simulated intelligence so as to replicate intelligent life forms, e.g. based on robots replicating pets or humans in their appearance or behaviour
Definition statement

This place covers:

Physical computer controlled mechanical devices emulating/simulating existing biological life forms mainly implemented as physical robots in the form of animals (pets) or humans (humanoids or androids). These robots can be standalone or work in groups (e.g. Robocup team of robotic football players).

Relationships with other classification places

This group does not cover purely mechanical devices: there should always be some computer involved.

It should act, or at least have as function to look like an animal or a human.

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Control of industrial robots

G05B 19/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Toys or dolls

A63H 3/00, A63H 11/00

Industrial robots or mechanical grippers

B25J 19/00

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "humanoid", "android", "robot", "robot pet ", "behaviour-based robots"
Neural networks
Definition statement

This place covers:

Computation simulating or emulating the functioning of biological brains mainly implemented in non-biological material, i.e. electronics or optical material. It can be in digital electronic or analogue electronic or biological technology.

Relationships with other classification places

Applications of whatever sort just using neural networks with no description of the neural network itself are to be classified in the relevant application field only.

Documents specifying an architecture and a learning method should be classified in the respective subgroups of G06N 3/04 and G06N 3/08.

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Adaptive control systems

G05B 13/00

Pattern recognition

G06F 18/00

Image processing using neural networks

G06T 1/20

Speech recognition using artificial neural networks

G10L 15/16

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "neural network", "neuronal network", "neuromimetic network", "artificial brain" and "perceptron"
Architecture, e.g. interconnection topology
Definition statement

This place covers:

The specific architecture or layout of the neural network, how the neurons are interconnected. For the different architectures see the titles of the different subgroups.

Specific technologies for realizing these architectures are classified in G06N 3/06, learning methods in the subgroups of G06N 3/08 and for the physical realization in the subgroups of G06N 3/06.

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "architecture", "topology", "layout"and "interconnection pattern"
{Adaptive resonance theory [ART] networks}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART).

Adaptive Resonance Theory was a short live method of neural networks developed by Grossberg and Carpenter. This subgroup contains only documents on ART by Grossberg and Carpenter (obsolete technology).

{using chaos or fractal principles}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Neural networks using some form of chaos or fractal technology or methods

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Chaos models per se

G06N 7/08

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "fractal transform function", "fractal growth", "chaotic neural network" and "Mandelbrot"
Knowledge-based neural networks; Logical representations of neural networks
Definition statement

This place covers:

Combinations of neural network technology and expert system technology.

Contains documents where expert systems and neural networks work together on the same level and also where expert systems are used to construct or control a neural network.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Inference or reasoning models

G06N 5/04

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "rule-based neural network" and "knowledge-based neural network"
based on fuzzy logic, fuzzy membership or fuzzy inference, e.g. adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems [ANFIS]
Definition statement

This place covers:

Combinations of neural network technology and fuzzy logic system technology.

Contains documents where fuzzy logic and neural networks work together on the same level, and also where fuzzy logic systems are used to construct or control a neural network.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Fuzzy logic per se

G06N 7/02

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

ANFIS

Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "Adaptive neuro-fuzzy interference system (ANFIS)" and "Neuro-fuzzy interference system"
Recurrent networks, e.g. Hopfield networks
Definition statement

This place covers:

Neural networks involving connections from the output of a neural network to the inputs of the same neural network.

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "feedback network" and "recurrent neural network"
  • "Hopfield nets" and "associative networks"
Combinations of networks
Definition statement

This place covers:

Architecture of multiple neural networks can be connected in a parallel or in a series fashion. They can cooperate on the same level or one neural network can control other neural networks.

Parallel neural networks can also be used for fault tolerance when connecting to a voting system.

Several neural networks can also be trained in different ways or with different training examples and then combined in parallel in order to increase the reliability or accuracy.

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "multiple neural networks" and "parallel neural networks"
  • "hierarchical neural networks" and "ensemble neural networks"
{Neocognitrons}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Neocognitrons are an unique and specific architecture of neural network charaterized by its name.

The neocognitron is a hierarchical multilayered neural network and is a natural extension of cascading models.

In the neocognitron, multiple types of cells such as S-cells and C-cells are used to perform recognition task.

Contains only documents if the type of neural network is specifically called neocognitron.

Probabilistic or stochastic networks
Definition statement

This place covers:

Neural networks having as special feature that the neurons individually, or the weights connecting the neurons, or the architecture as a whole, have a probabilistic or statistical aspect.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Chaotic determination of the weights

G06N 3/0418

Neural networks based on fuzzy logic, fuzzy membership or fuzzy inference

G06N 3/043

Probabilistic graphical models, e.g. probabilistic networks

G06N 7/01

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "probabilistic neural network" and "PNN"
  • "statistical neuron function" and "stochastic neuron function"
  • "p-RAM" and "probabilistic RAM"
Activation functions
Definition statement

This place covers:

All aspects of non-linear activation functions used in neurons, e.g. sigmoids, simple stepwise threshold functions, approximated sigmoid functions.

Only aspects of the non-linear activation function.

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "sigmoid" and "logistic function"
  • "non-linear activation function" and "non-linear transfer function"
  • "approximated activation functions" and "piecewise linear activation function"
Temporal neural networks, e.g. delay elements, oscillating neurons or pulsed inputs
Definition statement

This place covers:

Neurons or neural networks having a temporal aspect e.g. spiking neurons or neural networks where the time-like dynamics are a specific aspect of the invention

This can be in digital but often in analogue technology.

These neurons are meant to be a more realistic simulation of real biological neurons

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "spiking", "timelike", "temporal" and "dynamical"
Physical realisation, i.e. hardware implementation of neural networks, neurons or parts of neurons
Definition statement

This place covers:

The technology used to physically construct the neurons or neural network : digital electronics, analog electronics, biochemical elements, optical elements

Special rules of classification

This head subgroups should contain no documents, all documents should fall in one of its lower subgroups

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "hardware", "technology", "implementation" and "physical"
{using biological neurons, e.g. biological neurons connected to an integrated circuit}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Using real biological neurons from a living being implemented on a substrate. These neurons can be externally activated and read-out. The interconnections can be fixed or the can be allowed to grow and evolve.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Biomolecular computers

G06N 3/002

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "neurochip", "biochip" and "wetware"
using electronic means
Definition statement

This place covers:

Neurons or interconnections implemented in dedicated digital electronics.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Neurons implemented using standard electronic digital computers

G06N 3/10

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "electronic neuron", "digital", "numeric", "neuromorphic" and "synaptronic"
Analogue means
Definition statement

This place covers:

Neurons or interconnections implemented in dedicated analog electronics.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Analog electronic computers in general

G06G 7/00

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "analogue" and "analog"
using optical means
Definition statement

This place covers:

Neurons or interconnections implemented in dedicated optical components..

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Optical computers in general

G06E 1/00, G06E 3/00

{using electro-optical, acousto-optical or opto-electronic means}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Neurons or neural networks using electro-optical, acousto-optical or opto-electronic components.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Hybrid optical computers in general

G06E 3/00

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "electro-optical", "acousto-optical" and "opto-electronic"
Learning methods
Definition statement

This place covers:

Means and methods of training or learning the neural networks. For specific training methods or algorithms see the different subgroups.

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "training or learning neural network", "evolving or adapting neural network" and "optimizing neural network"
modifying the architecture, e.g. adding, deleting or silencing nodes or connections
Definition statement

This place covers:

During the learning or training process of the neural network not only are the weights of the synapses changed but also is the architecture of the neural network changed. This can involve adding/deleting neurons or adding/deleting connections. between the neurons.

When during the training process it becomes clear that the size/capacity of the neural network is not sufficient, additional neurons or connections can be added to the network after which the training can resume. When it is found that certain neurons are not used or have no influence, they can be removed (pruning).

Backpropagation, e.g. using gradient descent
Definition statement

This place covers:

Training method whereby on the synapses of the neurons are adapted depending on the difference between the actual output of the neural network and the wanted output. This difference is used to adapt the weights of the synapses with an mathematical method that back-propagates form the higher layers to the lower layers of the neural network. Mainly used in multilayer neural networks. This implies a form of supervised learning.

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "backprop" and "backpropagation"
using evolutionary algorithms, e.g. genetic algorithms or genetic programming
Definition statement

This place covers:

The use of genetic algorithms for creating through a process of reproduction, mutation and fitness function an optimally functioning neural network using evoluationary techniques such as evolutionary programming, genetic algorithms, genetic programming, evolution startegies, etc.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Genetic algorithms as such

G06N 3/126

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "evolutionary", "Darwinistic", "genetic algorithm", "evolutionary programming", "genetic programming" and "evolution strategies"
Non-supervised learning, e.g. competitive learning
Definition statement

This place covers:

Learning without direct supervision from unlabelled data. Neural networks are created and then it is observed how they function in the real world, as a result of the global functioning is the neural network further adapted. No sets of training input pairs are necessary.

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "non-supervised neural network" and "unsupervised neural network"
Interfaces, programming languages or software development kits, e.g. for simulating neural networks
Definition statement

This place covers:

Neural networks not implemented in specific special purpose electronics but simulated by a program on a standard general purpose digital computer

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Computer simulations in general

G06F 30/00

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "purely-software neural network", "neural network program" and "simulation of neural networks"
{Shells for specifying net layout}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Specific software for specifying or creating neural networks to be simulated on a general purpose digital computer. Specific graphical user interfaces for this application.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

General graphical user interfaces

G06F 3/048

Program for computer aided design

G06F 30/00

using genetic models
Definition statement

This place covers:

Computation based on the principles of biological genetic processing (mutation, recombination, reproduction, selection of the fittest).

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Genetic algorithms for training neural networks

G06N 3/086

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "evolutionary prgramming", "Darwinistic programming", "evolutionary programming", "genetic programming", and "evolution strategies"
DNA computing
Definition statement

This place covers:

Using actual biological DNA molecules in test tubes. The problem is transcribed onto real DNA, biological reproduction, crossover, mutation is performed. The fitness is tested, the best scoring DNA molecules are selected and used for further iterative processing until the optimally performing DNA molecule is retrieved and the information on this DNA molecule is read out and transcribed back to a readable result.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Biological genetic engineering in general

C12N 15/00

Computer memory using DNA

G11C 13/02

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "DNA computer" and "DNA chips"
Evolutionary algorithms, e.g. genetic algorithms or genetic programming
Definition statement

This place covers:

Software simulations using the principles of mutation, crossover as exhibited in real biological genetic systems in the reproduction of biological cells or living beings e.g. humans.

This process involves the creation of a number of possible solutions, testing the different solutions (fitness), selecting the best performing ones, starting from these create a new set of possible solutions using reproduction and mutation, and reiterate through this process until an optimal or sufficiently performing solution is found.

Relationships with other classification places

Classification in this group is not expected when genetic algorithms are used in training neural networks. Applications of whatever sort just using genetic algorithms with no description of the genetic algorithm itself are to be classified in the relevant application field only.

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Genetic algorithms used in training of neural networks

G06N 3/086

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "evolutionary programming", "Darwinistic programming", "genetic programming", "evolution strategies", "differential evolution", "estimation of distribution algorithm", "gene expression programming", "memetic algorithm", "co-evolution", "learning classifier systems", "cellular genetic algorithm", "parallel, distributed, fine-grained or coarse-grained genetic algorithm"
Computing arrangements using knowledge-based models
Definition statement

This place covers:

Computer systems using knowledge bases or creating knowledge bases.

In particular, specific subjects are classified in the subgroups as it follows:

  • Knowledge representation is classified in group G06N 5/02;
  • Use of knowledge bases for reasoning is classified in group G06N 5/04.
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor

G06F 16/00

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

knowledge base

set of representations of facts about the system to be controlled and its environment

knowledge-based agent

a software module that uses a knowledge base to implement control decisions

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "knowledge base", "knowledge model", "knowledge graph", "semantic network", and "reasoning model"
Dynamic search techniques; Heuristics; Dynamic trees; Branch-and-bound
Definition statement

This place covers:

Systems using knowledge empirically, Heuristics. Systems based on empirical models are normally used when classic methods fail to find an exact solution in a short time.

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Use of these techniques in computer games

A63F 13/00

Use of these techniques for solving equations

G06F 17/10

Forecasting or optimisation specifically adapted for administration or management

G06Q 10/04

ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics

G16H 50/00

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "dynamic search" and "adaptive search"
  • "branch-and-bound" and "decision trees"
  • "constraint solver" and "constraint optimization"
  • "empirical optimization" and "sample average approximation"
{Automatic theorem proving}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Automatic theorem proving; constraint satisfaction; probability consistency check in a decision problem.

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "logical consistency" and "automatic proving" and "formula checker"
  • "verification" and "determination of probability" and "formula converter"
Knowledge representation; Symbolic representation
Definition statement

This place covers:

Knowledge based systems defined by the specific knowledge representation formalisms, knowledge engineering, knowledge acquisition and extraction, update of knowledge base, maintenance.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

indexing in information and retrieval

G06F 16/00

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "formalisation of a problem", "formalism for knowledge representation", "expressivity", "semantics of a formalism", "elicitation of knowledge action", "rules, ontologies, frames, logics", "description logic", "semantic web", "declarative", "formula converter", "knowledge graph", and "semantic network"
{Frames}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Knowledge systems using frames as knowledge representation including attributes and slots

Special rules of classification

Rule systems for specific applications are classified in the field of application, unless the invention is still about the rules formalism and/ or extraction and maintenance process itself.

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • rules extraction", "elcitation", "knowledge discovery", "rules engine","rules maintenance", "rules consistency" and "rules priority"
Inference or reasoning models
Definition statement

This place covers:

Symbolic inference methods and devices. Programs with symbolic reasoning capabilities using knowledge. Inference systems.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Adaptive control

G05B 13/00

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "inference", "reasoning", "expert system", "instantiation, explanation, recommendation","aid to diagnosis", "pattern matching", "case-based reasoning", "deduction", "analogy","abnormal condition detection", "problem solving, planning" and "question answering"
{Abduction}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Kind of logical inference that refers to the process of arriving at an explanatory hypothesis.

Abduction is about the most probable explanation for a fact given the sufficient premises

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Empirical guesses or heuristics

G06N 5/01

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "hypothetical reasoning", "explanatory hypothesis", "disambiguation","reasonable guess" and "most possible explanation"
{Backward inferencing}
Definition statement

This place covers:

An inference mechanism that works backwards from the conclusion

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Automatic theorem proving

G06N 5/013

Special rules of classification

Game-theory based applications are classified in their field of application when possible.

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "backwards chaining, backwards reasoning, backwards induction", "retrograde analysis", "goal, hypothesis, goal driven", "conclusion, premises", "consequent, antecedent", "game theory", "modus ponens" and "depth-first strategy"
Distributed expert systems; Blackboards
Definition statement

This place covers:

Expert system implemented in distributed programming units or multiple interacting intelligent autonomous components for example multi-agents systems.

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "multi-agents", "cognitive agent", "autonomous", "decentralization", "self-steering", "software agents" and "swarm"
Explanation of inference; Explainable artificial intelligence [XAI]; Interpretable artificial intelligence
Definition statement

This place covers:

Inference system that provides explanations of the inferences to the user in the context of diagnostic or decision support

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "explanation", "decision", "diagnostic", "fault", "abnormal" and "alarm"
Forward inferencing; Production systems
Definition statement

This place covers:

Inference system that starts with the available data and makes inferences to derive more data. the inferences are performed forwards towards a goal by repetitive application of the modus ponens.

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "modus ponens", "interations", "if-then clause", "data driven" and "Rete algorithm"
Fuzzy inferencing
Definition statement

This place covers:

Transformation of exact inputs in fuzzy inputs with membership functions. The fuzzified inputs are processed in a fuzzy inference machine with fuzzy if-then rules. Depending on the degree of membership, several rules are fired in parallel. The consequents of each rule are aggregated into fuzzy outputs which are de-fuzzified or not de-fuzzified.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Tuning of fuzzy parameters

G06N 7/02

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "membership function", "fuzzification, fuzzy rules, fuzzy expert system", "parallel rules evaluation" and "degree of membership"
Computing arrangements based on specific mathematical models
Definition statement

This place covers:

Computer systems based on mathematical models that cannot be classified in their application field.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Neural networks

G06N 3/00

Complex mathematical operations

G06F 17/10

Special rules of classification

When other types of Machine Learning are involved, also classify in G06N 20/00.

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "probabilities", "statistics", "stochastic", "chaos", "non-linear function", "fuzzy logic", "formalism", "applied mathematics" and "systems simulation"
Probabilistic graphical models, e.g. probabilistic networks
Definition statement

This place covers:

Inference system representing the probability dependencies between causes and effects in a directed acyclic graph model in which the inferences are modelled as the propagation of probabilities.

Relationships with other classification places

Classification in this group is not expected when probabilistic networks are used in neural networks (e.g. Boltzmann machines).

Applications of whatever sort just using Bayesian or Markov models with no description of the Bayesian or Markov model itself are to be classified in the relevant application field.

Learning of unknown parameters of the network to be classified also in G06N 20/00

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Game playing

A63F 13/00

Digital data processing

G06F

Documents classification and information retrieval

G06F 16/00

Pattern recognition

G06F 18/00

Speech recognition

G10L 15/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Recurrent networks, e.g. Hopfield networks

G06N 3/044

Probabilistic or stochastic networks

G06N 3/047

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "Bayesian network" and "Bayes network" and "belief network" and "generalised Bayesian network"
  • "directed acyclic graphical model" and "DAG" and "probabilistic graphical model" and "probability node"
  • "beliefs propagation" and "influence diagram" and "conditional dependencies" and "probability function" and "probability density function" and "Bayes theorem"
  • "Markov model" and "Markov chain" and "Markov network" and "Markov random field" and "Markov decision process" and "conditional random fields"
using fuzzy logic (computing arrangements based on biological models G06N 3/00; computing arrangements using knowledge-based models G06N 5/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Computer systems based on fuzzy logic

Relationships with other classification places

Classification in this group is not expected when fuzzy logics is used in combination with neural networks, nor when fuzzy logic is used in fuzzy inferencing.

Applications of whatever sort just using fuzzy logic with no description of the fuzzy logic itself are to be classified in the relevant application field.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Computer systems based on biological models

G06N 3/00

Computer systems using knowledge based models

G06N 5/00

Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Adaptive control systems

G05B 13/00

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "fuzzy logic" and "tuning parameters"
Physical realisation
Definition statement

This place covers:

Physical realizations of computer systems based on mathematical models

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "analogue" and "implementation"
Simulation on general purpose computers
Definition statement

This place covers:

Fuzzy systems simulated on general purpose computers

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Simulation in game playing

A63F 13/00

Computer aided design (CAD)

G06F 30/00

Simulation for the purpose of Optimisation

G06Q 10/00

Telecom applications using simulation

G10L 15/00

Computer aided chemistry components design

G16C

Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security

H04L 63/00

Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication

H04L 65/00

Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications

H04L 67/00

using chaos models or non-linear system models
Definition statement

This place covers:

Computer-based systems using chaos or non-linear models

Relationships with other classification places

Classification in this group is not expected when chaos models or non-linear models are used in neural networks.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Neural networks using chaos or fractal principles

G06N 3/0418

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "chaos theory", "non-linear", "stochastic" and "fractal"
Quantum computing, i.e. information processing based on quantum-mechanical phenomena
Definition statement

This place covers:

Computation performed by a combination of atomic or subatomic particles where the interactions are no longer described by macroscopic physics but by the theory of quantum mechanics.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures

B82B

Nanotechnology for information processing, storage or transmission, e.g. quantum computing or single electron logic

B82Y 10/00

Optical computing devices for processing non-digital data

G06E 3/00

Photonic quantum communication

H04B 10/70

Quantum cryptography

H04L 9/0852

Devices using superconductivity

H10N 60/00

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

quantum-mechanical phenomena

covers the quantum phenomena of superposition, coherence, decoherence, entanglement, nonlocality and teleportation

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "quantum computer", "qubit", "quantum bit", "superconducting bits", "Josephson junction" and "SQUID"
Models of quantum computing, e.g. quantum circuits or universal quantum computers
Definition statement

This place covers:

Models or logical architectures, as opposed to the hardware architectures covered by group G06N 10/40, of quantum computing, independent of whether or not a physical realisation is also disclosed. In particular, general logical/physical models of quantum computing, e.g. related to quantum circuit, are classified in group G06N 10/20.

The physical realisations of a specific model (see examples below) are classified in both G06N 10/20 and G06N 10/40.

A "quantum circuit" is a sequence of quantum logic gates, e.g. quantum gate array, quantum register or quantum random access memory. It should be noted that these are terms of art representing quantum models and should not be confused with physical circuit versions, e.g. electrical circuitry, in general. Quantum circuits are typically obtained via "quantum circuit synthesis", "quantum circuit decomposition" or "quantum compilers" (also not to be confused with "classical" compilers).

Typical examples of quantum gates: Clifford gates, controlled gates, e.g. cX, cY, cZ, CNOT, Hadamard gate, Pauli-X/Y/Z gates, SWAP gate, T gate, i.e. pi/8, Toffoli gate, i.e. CCNOT, Deutsch gate, Ising XX/YY/ZZ coupling gates, phase shift gates.

Other typical models of quantum computing: adiabatic quantum computation [AQC], topological quantum computing, quantum simulations, e.g. universal quantum simulator, quantum state machines, quantum cellular automata, quantum Turing machines [QTM].

Models wherein the units of quantum information are based on d-level quantum systems (qudits), e.g. using qutrits (d=3).

Physical realisations or architectures of quantum processors or components for manipulating qubits, e.g. qubit coupling or qubit control
Definition statement

This place covers:

Physical realisations or hardware architectures, as opposed to the logical architectures covered by group G06N 10/20 for quantum computing, independent of whether or not a model of quantum computing is also disclosed. Executing models of quantum computing on a specific physical realisation (see examples below) are classified in both G06N 10/20 and G06N 10/40.

Physical realisations typically fall in one of the following categories: superconducting quantum computers, e.g. based on charge qubits, flux qubits, phase qubits, Transmon, Xmon, trapped ion/atom quantum computers, e.g. based on Paul ion trap, optical lattices, spin-based quantum computers, e.g. based on quantum dots, NMR, NMRQC, nitrogen-vacancy centres, fullerenes, Kane or Loss-DiVincenzo quantum computers, based on quantum optics, e.g. linear optical quantum computers.

Examples of quantum components and qubit manipulations: qubit coupling, control or readout, storing quantum states, quantum processor, quantum bus, quantum memory, quantum network (for computations), quantum repeater (for computations).

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Nanotechnology for information processing, storage or transmission, e.g. quantum computing or single electron logic

B82Y 10/00

Superconducting quantum bits per se

H10N 60/00

Quantum algorithms, e.g. based on quantum optimisation, quantum Fourier or Hadamard transforms
Definition statement

This place covers:

All quantum algorithms and not limited to, e.g. quantum optimisation (see examples below). In particular, quantum computing algorithms for specific problems, e.g. NP problem, are classified in group G06N 10/60. Algorithms based on quantum optimisation also includes so-called "hybrid quantum-classical algorithms". The physical realisations of a specific algorithm (see example below) are classified in both G06N 10/40 and G06N 10/60.

Quantum algorithms typically fall in one of the following categories:

  • based on amplitude amplification, e.g. Grover's algorithm;
  • based on Fourier or Hadamard transforms, e.g. Shor's algorithm, Simon's algorithm, Deutsch-Josza algorithm, quantum phase estimation algorithm [QPEA] or quantum eigenvalue estimation algorithm;
  • quantum optimisation, e.g. quantum annealing, Ising machines, variational quantum eigen-solver [VQE], quantum alternating operator ansatz [QAOA], quantum approximate optimisation algorithm, including hybrid quantum-classical algorithms, e.g. quantum machine learning, machine learning based quantum algorithms;
  • quantum walks.
Quantum error correction, detection or prevention, e.g. surface codes or magic state distillation
Definition statement

This place covers:

Arrangements to achieve fault-tolerant quantum computations. Typical solutions rely on the introduction of ancillary, i.e. additional or auxiliary qubits, such as stabiliser codes, but this place also covers ancilla-free solutions, i.e. no additional qubit necessary. Other examples: bit flip codes, sign flip codes, Shor code, topological codes, e.g. surface codes, planar codes, toric codes.

Arrangements for assessing the quality of quantum computers, whether characterised by a metrics or figure of merits, e.g. quantum fidelity, quantum volume, quantum purity, error rate, or by its calculation or measurement, e.g. randomized benchmarking [RB], cross-entropy benchmarking [CEB], random circuit sampling [RCS].

Quantum programming, e.g. interfaces, languages or software-development kits for creating or handling programs capable of running on quantum computers; Platforms for simulating or accessing quantum computers, e.g. cloud-based quantum computing
Definition statement

This place covers:

All arrangements for quantum programming, such as quantum instruction sets, quantum software development kits, or quantum programming languages. Typical examples: Quil, Qiskit, or QCL.

Platforms for simulating or accessing the quantum computers, such as cloud-based quantum computing. Typical examples: IBM Q Experience, Quantum Inspire, Azure Quantum, Amazon Braket, Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services, Quantum Playground.

Machine learning
Definition statement

This place covers:

Methods or apparatus giving a machine (in its broadest sense) the ability of adapting or evolving according to experience gained by the machine. A machine in its broadest sense is understood as either an "abstract machine" or a physical one (i.e. a computer).

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Computer systems using neural networks

G06N 3/02

Computer systems using knowledge based models

G06N 5/00

Computer systems using fuzzy logic

G06N 7/02

Adaptive control systems

G05B 13/00

Image processing using neural networks

G06T 1/20

Pattern recognition using learning

G06V 30/194

Speech recognition using artificial neural networks

G10L 15/16

Ensemble learning
Definition statement

This place covers:

Machine learning processes where multiple learners (i.e. learning algorithms) are trained to solve the same problem, to obtain better predictive performance than could be obtained from any of the constituent learning algorithms alone.

Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
Definition statement

This place covers:

This group is residual to the whole of the subclass, i.e. it covers subject matter which falls under the scope of G06N and which is not covered by its groups.

Therefore this main group should be rarely used or not used for classification.

Whenever a new computing technology is identified, which is not covered by the other main groups of G06N, it is recommended to create a new subgroup here for that new subject.

{Molecular computers, i.e. using inorganic molecules (using biomolecules G06N 3/002)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Systems where the computational elements are implemented on the molecular level using inorganic molecules e.g. molecular switches.

Relationships with other classification places

Classification in this group is not expected when computational elements implement quantum computers.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Computing based on bio molecules

G06N 3/002

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Quantum computers

G06N 10/00