
Neural networks achieve remarkable performance across domains, yet their internal computation remains largely opaque. During inference, activations evolve as a sequence of hidden states whose dynamics ultimately determine the model’s output. Traditional interpretability techniques focus on input–output relationships or gradient-based attributions and provide limited insight into the internal computational process itself.This report introduces the Neural Path Machine (NPM), a framework for making neural computation observable at the level of internal trajectories. NPM records activation paths, identifies unstable or influential transitions, and enables causal what-if interventions by modifying activations during execution. These capabilities transform a neural network from a black box into a transparent discrete dynamical system whose internal states can be inspected, manipulated, and systematicallydebugged.By exposing the structure of computational paths, NPM provides a principled foundation for tracing model failures, analysing sensitivity and robustness, and performing targeted model corrections. The trajectory-based perspective also suggestsnew training possibilities that operate on internal transitions rather than solely on output errors; these extensions are developed in a separate companion report. Overall, NPM offers a coherent and practical methodology for studying and controlling the internal behaviour of neural networks, bridging interpretability, diagnostics, and dynamical analysis within a unified framework.
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 0 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
