Activation zero-bypass and weight pruning in neural networks for vehicle perception systems

Abstract

In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method includes capturing a plurality of images at a camera associated with a vehicle and storing image data associated with the plurality of images to a memory. The method further includes dispatching vehicle perception tasks to a plurality of processing elements of an accelerator in communication with the memory. The method further includes performing, by at least one of the plurality of processing elements, the vehicle perception tasks for the vehicle perception using a neural network, wherein performing the vehicle perception tasks comprises performing an activation bypass for values below a first threshold, and performing weight pruning of synapses and neurons of the neural network based at least in part on a second threshold. The method further includes controlling the vehicle based at least in part on a result of performing the vehicle perception tasks.