Guidance for the Verification and Validation of Neural Networks (Emerging Technologies)

This book provides guidance on the verification and validation of neural networks/adaptive systems. Considering every process, activity, and task in the lifecycle, it supplies methods and techniques that will help the developer or V&V practitioner be confident that they are supplying an adaptive/neural network system that will perform as intended. Additionally, it is structured to be used as a cross–reference to the IEEE 1012 standard.

From the back cover:

Guidance for the Verification and Validation of Neural Networks is a supplement to the IEEE Standard for Software Verification and Validation, IEEE Std 1012–1998. Born out of a need by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration‘s safety– and mission–critical research, this book compiles over five years of applied research and development efforts. It is intended to assist the performance of verification and validation (V&V) activities on adaptive software systems, with emphasis given to neural network systems. The book discusses some of the difficulties with trying to assure adaptive systems in general, presents techniques and advice for the V&V practitioner confronted with such a task, and based on a neural network case study, identifies specific tasking and recommendations for the V&V of neural network systems.

"As the demand for developing and assuring adaptive systems grows, this guidebook will provide practitioners with the insight and practical steps for verifying and validating neural networks. The work of the authors is a great step forward, offering a level of practical experience and advice for the software developers, assurance personnel, and those performing verification and validation of adaptive systems. This guide makes possible the daunting task of assuring this new technology. NASA is proud to sponsor such a realistic approach to what many might think a very futuristic subject. But adaptive systems with neural networks are here today and as the NASA Manager for Software Assurance and Safety, I believe this work by the authors will be a great resource for the systems we are building today and into tomorrow."
—Martha S. Wetherholt, NASA Manager of Software Assurance and Software Safety NASA Headquarters, Office of Safety & Mission Assurance

About the Author:

Dr. Laura L. Pullum is a Principal Research Scientist and Technical Director at Lockheed Martin in Eagan, MN. Her areas of research and development include software and system dependability, verification and validation, adaptive systems, and automated reasoning.

Brian J. Taylor served as a Principal Member Research Staff for the Institute for Scientific Research, working with a research team on the development, implementation, and flight qualification of Intelligent Flight Control Systems. He is currently a PhD candidate.

Dr. Marjorie A. Darrah is a Principal Scientist for the West Virginia High Technology Consortium Foundation. Her areas of research and development include virtual reality, education, data mining, software verification and validation, algorithm development, and neural networks.