Convolutional neural networks using resistive processing unit array
Technical solutions are described for implementing a convolutional neural network (CNN) using resistive processing unit (RPU) array. An example method includes configuring an RPU array corresponding to a convolution laye…
Original patent title: “Convolutional neural networks using resistive processing unit array”
Technical solutions are described for implementing a convolutional neural network (CNN) using resistive processing unit (RPU) array. An example method includes configuring an RPU array corresponding to a convolution laye…. Granted to International Business Machines in 2020 with 23 claims and 7 forward citations, and it is expected to expire in 2037.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
Technical solutions are described for implementing a convolutional neural network (CNN) using resistive processing unit (RPU) array. An example method includes configuring an RPU array corresponding to a convolution layer in the CNN based on convolution kernels of the layer. The method further includes performing forward pass computations via the RPU array by transmitting voltage pulses corresponding to input data to the RPU array, and storing values corresponding to output currents from the RPU arrays as output maps. The method further includes performing backward pass computations via the RPU array by transmitting voltage pulses corresponding to error of the output maps, and storing the output currents from the RPU arrays as backward error maps. The method further includes performing update pass computations via the RPU array by transmitting voltage pulses corresponding to the input data of the convolution layer and the error of the output maps to the RPU array.
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Patent Abstract
Patent abstract
Technical solutions are described for implementing a convolutional neural network (CNN) using resistive processing unit (RPU) array. An example method includes configuring an RPU array corresponding to a convolution layer in the CNN based on convolution kernels of the layer. The method further includes performing forward pass computations via the RPU array by transmitting voltage pulses corresponding to input data to the RPU array, and storing values corresponding to output currents from the RPU arrays as output maps. The method further includes performing backward pass computations via the RPU array by transmitting voltage pulses corresponding to error of the output maps, and storing the output currents from the RPU arrays as backward error maps. The method further includes performing update pass computations via the RPU array by transmitting voltage pulses corresponding to the input data of the convolution layer and the error of the output maps to the RPU array.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Moderate
Citation count
18/40
Early citations
Claim breadth
15/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
10/20
Granted 5–10 years ago
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$125K – $399K
Midpoint $250K · 10.8 yr remaining · industry ×1.6
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
The original legal language
Original claims
23 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Gokmen, T. (2020). Convolutional neural networks using resistive processing unit array (U.S. Patent No. 10,740,671). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10740671/convolutional-neural-networks-using-resistive-processing-unit-array
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Who owns patent US 10740671?
International Business Machines owns this patent, granted in 2020.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on April 6, 2037, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 10740671 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 7 later patents that build on its ideas.
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