Method and apparatus for classifying patterns by use of neural network

Claim 1

A pattern classification method using a neural network, the method comprising steps of: I) training the neural network including: a) applying known training data to the neural network, the known training data each including a training input pattern which is applied to the neural network to produce a network output pattern and a corresponding reference output pattern; b) adjusting the neural network until the network output pattern matches the reference output pattern; c) repeating steps (a)-(b) for a plurality of training data to train the neural network; II) classifying input patterns with the trained neural network including: d) applying an input pattern to be classified to the trained neural network; e) obtaining a corresponding network output pattern corresponding to the input pattern; f) storing the input pattern and the corresponding network output pattern in a memory; III) determining a trained neural network abnormality including: g) comparing the stored network output pattern with a correct output pattern when the correct output pattern is subsequently obtained to determine a deviation therebetween; h) repeating steps (d)-(g) for a plurality of input patterns to determine a plurality of the deviations; i) storing a cumulative deviation in the memory; and j) monitoring the cumulative deviation to detect a cumulative abnormality of the trained neural network.