Title: Parsimonious Inference on Convolutional Neural Networks: Learning and applying on-line kernel activation rules,
Abstract: A new, radical CNN design approach is presented in this paper, considering
the reduction of the total computational load during inference. This is
achieved by a new holistic intervention on both the CNN architecture and the
training procedure, which targets to the parsimonious inference by learning to
exploit or remove the redundant capacity of a CNN architecture. This is
accomplished, by the introduction of a new structural element that can be
inserted as an add-on to any contemporary CNN architecture, whilst preserving
or even improving its recognition accuracy. Our approach formulates a
systematic and data-driven method for developing CNNs that are trained to
eventually change size and form in real-time during inference, targeting to the
smaller possible computational footprint. Results are provided for the optimal
implementation on a few modern, high-end mobile computing platforms indicating
a significant speed-up of up to x3 times.