A neural network is either a system software or hardware that works similar to the tasks performed by neurons of human brain. Neural networks include various technologies like deep learning, and machine learning as a part of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Artificial neural networks (ANN) is the key tool of machine learning. These are systems developed by the inspiration of neuron functionality in the brain, which will replicate the way we humans learn. Neural networks (NN) constitute both input & output layer, as well as a hidden layer containing units that change input into output so that output layer can utilise the value. These are the tools for finding patterns which are numerous & complex for programmers to retrieve and train the machine to recognize the patterns.
Most of the business applications and commercial companies make use of these technologies. Their main aim is to solve complex problems like pattern recognition or facial recognition, and several other applications include -- speech-to-text transcription, data analysis, handwriting recognition for check processing, weather prediction, and signal processing.
ANN works quite similar to human-brain. By making necessary connections, we can duplicate the working of brain using silicon and wires which act similar to dendrites and neurons. As stimuli from external environment are accepted by dendrites in the same way, the input creates electric impulses that travel through the neural network. ANN consists of several nodes which behave as neurons. The nodes are connected by links (wires) for communication with one another. Nodes take input data to perform small operations on trained data and results of these operations are passed to other nodes (neurons). The output at the node is called its node value. Following is the image representing the basic structure of neuron.
Neural networks have a remarkable ability to retrieve meaningful data from imprecise data, that is used in detecting trends and extract patterns which are difficult to understand either by computer or humans. A trained NN can be made an "expert" in information that has been given to analyse and can be used for provide projections.
Some of the advantages of neural networks are listed below
An ANN includes a huge number of processors working parallely, which are arranged in layers. The first layer receives the raw data as input, similar to optic nerves of human eye visual processing. Every successive layer receives the raw input data as output from the previous layer, similar to neurons of optic nerve receiving signals from those close to it. The final layer generates the output. Below image shows several layers.
[Related Article: Top 10 Reasons why you should learn Artificial Intelligence]
Neural networks are adaptable i.e. they can modify themselves according to the training and run parallely to provide more information about the world. If the network generates a “desired” output, then there is no need to change the trained input data, and vise-versa. If the network generates an “undesired” output resulting errors, then the system modifies the trained input data to improve the results.
Neural Networks are of many types and each of these come with a particular use case.
Feedforward Neural Network: This is the most common type of neural network. where information travels in uni direction, that is from input to output.
Recurrent Neural Network: A more frequently used network type in which data can be transferred in various directions. These possess greater learning capabilities and are often used for complex tasks like learning handwriting or language recognition.
Convolutional Neural Networks are similar to ordinary Neural Networks but, with two hidden layers and they are made up of neurons that have ability to learn. Every neuron receives some inputs, performs a dot product, and sometimes follow non-linearity. The complete network will show a single differentiable score function i.e., from class scores on one end to the raw image pixels on the other end. And, have a loss function (e.g. SVM/Softmax) on the fully-connected layer. The tricks developed by developers to learning neural networks still apply. Choosing the proper network depends on your choice and raw data that is to be given as input must be trained by you according to your preference. At times, we can use multiple approaches, in complex cases like voice recognition.
In the initial stages, neural networks (NN) are fed with huge amounts of data. Training is generally given by providing input and educating the network what should be the output. For example, facial recognition is the latest technology implemented by many smartphone companies. Each input is gathered by the identification of matching data, like image of the person’s face, iris, various facial expressions, and all these inputs have to be trained. Providing proper answers will allow it to accommodate its internal data to learn how better it can perform.
Rules must be defined in such a way that, each node decides what to be sent to next layer considering its own inputs from the previous layer. This is done by considering many principles like, genetic algorithms, fuzzy logic, gradient-based training Bayesian method. ANNs are given basic rules related to object relationships. Right decision must be taken in building the rules.
Artificial neural networks have the ability to learn but they should be trained. There are many learning strategies namely:
[Related Article: Machine Learning Algorithms]
Recognition of Image was the first area where neural networks were successfully applied, but the technology expanded to many areas such as
In what real time applications neural networks are best suited for ?
A NN has a broad applicability to real time business problems. Now-a-days, they are successfully implemented by many industries including the telecom sectors. Ever since neural networks evolved as a new trend, identifying patterns in data has become much easier as they are well suited for forecasting needs and prediction. For example, industrial process control, sales forecasting, data target marketing, validation, risk management, and customer research are some of its real-time applications.
To be more specific, ANNs are also used in recognition of speakers in communication (speech recognition), undersea mine detection, the google assistant (SIRI), recovery of telecommunications from faulty software, diagnosis of hepatitis, words texture analysis three-dimensional object recognition, handwritten word recognition, and facial recognition.
The above ones are specific areas where neural networks are being applied today. Primary uses involve processes that operate according to strict patterns and have huge amount of data. If data involved is too heavy for a human brain to understand in a reasonable amount of time, the process of automation is easier through artificial neural networks.
From technical point of view, one of the most biggest challenges is the amount of time it takes to train networks, which often require acceptable amount of computing power for even complex tasks. Second most issue to be considered is that neural networks are black boxes, in which the user groups the trained data and receives answers. They are allowed to tune the answers, and drawback is that they have no access to the exact process of decision making. This is the reason why researchers are working actively, but artificial neural networks play a very big role in changing day-to-day lives.
Being a highly competitive world, we have a lot to gain from neural networks. Their capability to learn through better example makes them powerful and flexible. Moreover, we need not devise any algorithm to perform a particular task. We don’t require internal mechanisms of that task. These are well suited for real time systems as they respond fast with best computational times because of their parallel architecture.
Neural networks are also contributing to other areas of research like psychology and neurology. In neurology, it is used to investigate the internal mechanisms of the brain and model parts of living organisms. The most exciting aspect of neural networks is that there is a possibility that one-day 'conscious' networks might arise. Some scientists are arguing that consciousness is a “mechanical property” and conscious neural networks are realistic and are possible. Neural networks have a huge potential and we can get the best from them by collaborating with fuzzy logic, computing, AI and ML.
Free Demo for Corporate & Online Trainings.