Intelligent Systems for Engineers and Scientists, 3rd Edition

Chapter 8

Neural Networks

8.1 Introduction

Artificial neural networks are a family of techniques for numerical learning, like the optimization algorithms reviewed in Chapters 6 and 7, but in contrast to the symbolic learning techniques reviewed in Chapter 5. They consist of many nonlinear computational elements that form the network nodes or neurons, linked by weighted interconnections. They are analogous in structure to the neurological system in humans and animals, which is made up of real rather than artificial neural networks. Practical artificial neural networks are much simpler than biological ones, so it is unrealistic to expect them to produce the sophisticated behavior of humans or animals. Nevertheless, they are effective at a range ...