Revisiting DNN Training for Intermittently Powered Energy Harvesting Micro Computers

The deployment of Deep Neural Networks in energy-constrained environments, such as Energy Harvesting Wireless Sensor Networks, presents unique challenges, primarily due to the intermittent nature of power availability. To address these challenges, this study introduces and evaluates a novel training methodology tailored for DNNs operating within such contexts. In particular, we propose a dynamic dropout technique that adapts to both the architecture of the device and the variability in energy availability inherent in energy harvesting scenarios. Our proposed approach leverages a device model that incorporates specific parameters of the network architecture and the energy harvesting profile to optimize dropout rates dynamically during the training phase. By modulating the network's training process based on predicted energy availability, our method not only conserves energy but also ensures sustained learning and inference capabilities under power constraints. Our preliminary results demonstrate that this strategy provides 6 to 22 percent accuracy improvements compared to the state of the art with less than 5 percent additional compute. This paper details the development of the device model, describes the integration of energy profiles with intermittency aware dropout and quantization algorithms, and presents a comprehensive evaluation of the proposed approach using real-world energy harvesting data.

Rouser: Robust SNN training using adaptive threshold learning

In Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs), learning rules are based on neuron spiking behavior, that is, if and when spikes are generated due to a neuron's membrane potential exceeding that neuron's firing threshold, and this spike timing encodes vital information. However, the threshold is generally treated as a hyperparameter, and incorrect selection can lead to neurons that do not spike for large portions of the training process, hindering the effective rate of learning. Inspired by homeostatic mechanisms in biological neurons, this work (Rouser) presents a study to rouse training-inactive neurons and improve the SNN training by using an in-loop adaptive threshold learning mechanism. Rouser's adaptive threshold allows for dynamic adjustments based on input data and network hyperparameters, influencing spike timing and improving training. This study focuses primarily on investigating the significance of learning neuron thresholds alongside weights in SNNs. We evaluate the performance of Rouser on the spatiotemporal datasets NMNIST, DVS128 and Spiking Heidelberg Digits (SHD), compare our results with state-of-the-art SNN training techniques, and discuss the strengths and limitations of our approach. Our results suggest that promoting threshold from a hyperparameter to a parameter can effectively address the issue of dead neurons during training, resulting in a more robust training algorithm that leads to improved training convergence, increased test accuracy, and substantial reductions in the number of training epochs needed to achieve viable accuracy. Rouser achieves up to 70% lower training latency while providing up to 2% higher accuracy over state-of-the-art SNNs with similar network architecture on the neuromorphic datasets NMNIST, DVS128 and SHD.

Can Prompt Modifiers Control Bias? A Comparative Analysis of Text-to-Image Generative Models

It has been shown that many generative models inherit and amplify societal biases. To date, there is no uniform/systematic agreed standard to control/adjust for these biases. This study examines the presence and manipulation of societal biases in leading text-to-image models: Stable Diffusion, DALL-E 3, and Adobe Firefly. Through a comprehensive analysis combining base prompts with modifiers and their sequencing, we uncover the nuanced ways these AI technologies encode biases across gender, race, geography, and region/culture. Our findings reveal the challenges and potential of prompt engineering in controlling biases, highlighting the critical need for ethical AI development promoting diversity and inclusivity. This work advances AI ethics by not only revealing the nuanced dynamics of bias in text-to-image generation models but also by offering a novel framework for future research in controlling bias. Our contributions-panning comparative analyses, the strategic use of prompt modifiers, the exploration of prompt sequencing effects, and the introduction of a bias sensitivity taxonomy-lay the groundwork for the development of common metrics and standard analyses for evaluating whether and how future AI models exhibit and respond to requests to adjust for inherent biases.