The natural world never ceases to amaze us with its wonders. The influence of the environment on technology can be seen in many examples, such as SB Talpade’s creation of the first unmanned aircraft in 1895, which was inspired by the design of birds, and the recent development of a robotic cheetah by MIT researchers, signalling the use of natural forms in new transportation technology. But perhaps the most intriguing application is the implementation of neural networks in creating artificial intelligence that can replicate human brain processes.
Neural networks have come a long way since their inception in the late 1800s, showing immense progress in their capabilities. These networks are able to accomplish tasks that mirror the functions of the human brain, leading to a wider range of commercial and scientific possibilities that have surpassed initial predictions, and are expected to grow rapidly in the future.
This article highlights three recent advancements enabled by the use of neural networks.
Highly Elaborate and Large Neural Network
Deep learning is a form of machine learning that is also known as a deep neural network (DNN), which has gained notable interest among engineers and scientists. By trying to recreate the complex neural pathways found in the human brain, these professionals aim to provide robots with the ability to reason and act intelligently.
Deep neural networks may appear unnecessary.
Although machine learning has nearly limitless applications, its operation can be constrained in areas where the human brain excels. For instance, computers tend to struggle with recognizing human traits such as gender, age, and speech. To deal with unstructured data inputs, deep learning emerged as a response to the shortcomings of machine learning algorithms.
Deep learning has experienced significant triumphs in numerous fields, spanning natural language processing, image recognition, language translation, healthcare, and virtual assistant technology. Its increased use in developing optimal solutions for various problems has led to deep learning becoming a widely popular tool, ultimately establishing itself as a potent technology that has the capacity to impact industries on a wide scale.
Crucial Terminologies
The brain itself is made up of a complex network of biological neurons, and its primary function is to learn and adapt to new information. In the same way, a Deep Neural Network (DNN) contains multiple layers of interconnected nodes, which receive and process signals, allowing the system to grow and change based on each new learning experience.
Incoming data is initially received by the first layer, where it is subjected to relevant mathematical operations, before being transmitted to the second layer.
Now, let us break down the complex structure of a deep neural network into its constituent parts.
Neurons, Also Known as Nerve Cells, Make Up a Vital Component of the Nervous System For a neural network to properly function, its individual neurons must be fully operational. Neurons receive data, subject it to mathematical operations, and either pass it on to the next neuron in sequence or produce final output, depending on their position and significance.
Weights (Or Parameters) are the Second Main Element: Neurons possess the capacity to assign a numerical “weight” to each of their specific inputs. These weights are values designated by users, and they are updated after every training cycle. As the training progresses, features that show higher correlation to the target variable will be ascribed more weight, while those that exhibit lower correlation will be given less significance. It is through this method that computers can accurately assess the relative importance of various factors that contribute to a problem.
3. Bias: The standard linear equation, y = mx + c, comprises three fundamental components: variables (x and y), the slope m, and the intercept c. In instances where the line starts and ends at the origin, the intercept value c is zero. A similar convention is employed in neural networks, where a constant parameter known as the “bias” helps to balance the output. The inclusion of bias is necessary for training models beyond lab settings, as it facilitates accurate data point modelling even beyond the origin.
Fourth Main Feature: The Function of Activation: Neurons encompass a mathematical function, often referred to as the “activation function,” that helps decide if the neuron should be “activated” or not. A neuron will not be activated and no signal will be sent to the following neuron in the sequence if the calculated value falls below the determined threshold. Activation functions vary in size and shape, providing varying degrees of sensitivity. Some examples of activation functions include ReLU, Sigmoid, Softmax, and Tanh.
It is relatively easy to differentiate between the various components of a neuron.
The Algorithm of the Perceptron, with Multiple Layers
Single neurons are inadequate for the purpose of carrying out complex calculations. To generate the intended output, a hierarchical network of neurons needs to be established. The multilayer perceptron (MLP) serves as an example of such an intricate structure, which can be applied to create more detailed decision boundaries. This elaborate architecture has diverse applications ranging from predicting stock prices, image classification, spam detection, user sentiment analysis, to data compression.
A multilayer perceptron is comprised of three distinct elements:
- The input layer of a network provides the initial point of entry for information.
- The hidden layer is responsible for computing the weights, biases and data used in the computations.
- The output layer is where the results are ultimately interpreted and produced.
Feedforward Neural Networks, commonly called Multilayer Perceptrons (MLP), apply machine learning methods that propagate data along a single dimension. The algorithm begins with the input layer and then continues moving linearly through any intermediate hidden layers (if implemented), ultimately arriving at the output layer.
In a neural network, the input layer accepts raw data and applies the relevant weight and bias parameters to its corresponding data points. The resultant linear combination is processed through an associated activation function before being sent to the subsequent layer. This process spans across the input, hidden, and output layers.
Nonetheless, there is still much knowledge to be acquired.
Users have the option to specify an initial weight for each weight in the network. However, merely introducing biases and multiplying weights to the input will not be enough for a multilayer perceptron (MLP) to successfully learn and optimise the weights to perform at an optimal level. To overcome this obstacle, backpropagation can be utilised to assist the MLP in making the necessary weight adjustments.
Backpropagation
To achieve optimal performance in a neural network, it is imperative to fine-tune its weights using a technique known as backpropagation.
Upon completion of each iteration, an error rate is calculated using a loss function. Following the first cycle, the error gradient is established based on all input-output pairs. The computed gradient value is then used to adjust the weights of the core hidden layer, and this operation is repeated until the convergence threshold is reached.
The Comprehensive Q-Network
Through the application of Deep Q-Learning, which fuses reinforcement learning and neural networks, it is feasible to develop a neural network known as a Deep Q-Network (DQN). In order to comprehend Deep Q-Learning and its functions, it is crucial to grasp the fundamentals of Q-Learning, which is a form of reinforcement learning algorithm.
Reinforcement Learning (RL) incorporates Q-learning, which empowers agents to improve their efficiency and expertise over time. To achieve optimal results in a particular environment, it is important to train the agent (a type of bot) regularly by incentivising it for the targeted behaviour. This will enable the agent to learn from its experiences and consistently enhance its performance.
Using visual aids, such as an example, can be an incredibly powerful tool for gaining a deeper comprehension of Q-Learning. To highlight the significance of reinforcement learning in game development, let’s analyse a generalised scenario: a basketball match, where a user can practice playing against an AI opponent. In this particular case, the AI represents the agent, the basketball court is the environment, the AI’s skill at scoring baskets is the state, and the actions available, such as shooting, passing to teammates, dribbling, and tackling. Scoring a basket will earn the agent a point as a reward.
In order to maximise its reward in any given circumstance, the agent employs a decision-making approach called the Markov decision process (MDP). This is an instance of reinforcement learning, which is a form of machine learning that facilitates the agent’s acquisition of new behaviours through feedback mechanisms.
Q-table
From the flowchart provided, it appears that the most challenging aspect to comprehend could be the notion of a Q-table. The Q-table is a visualisation of the agent’s states and actions generated using the Q(s, a) function. It encompasses all possible combinations of states and actions for a given environment and is constructed when the algorithm is executed over a prolonged period of time.
In the ensuing rounds, the operative agent can reference this table to ascertain the most advantageous reward for each state. This approach is only feasible and appropriate in situations where there is a restricted quantity of state and action combinations.
To overcome this limitation, Q-learning methodology is merged with deep neural networks to provide estimations of the Q-values, replacing the Q-table.
An In-Depth Look at Q-Learning
With the evolution of neural networks and deep learning , it is now possible to generate rapid approximations of the values in the Q-table. Since only the relative values within the Q-table are significant, any approximations resulting in no adverse impact on the agent’s performance.
The process is initiated by inputting the initial state into the neural network. The resultant output is a collection of Q-values for all the feasible outcomes.
The implementation of Q-learning in conjunction with neural networks holds immense potential for the evolution of a diverse range of developing sectors such as self-driving cars, industrial robotics, stock trading, natural language processing, medical diagnosis, video gaming, and more. The amalgamation of these two technologies presents numerous opportunities for the advancement of these industries.
The technologies discussed in this article are still undergoing development. While deep learning has been in existence for several years, it is constantly being utilised for novel purposes. It may be inferred that “deep neural network” is a generic phrase, with “multilayer perceptron” and “deep Q-network” being specific applications of the former term.
