Boltzmann Machines

Boltzmann machines (BMs) refer to a synthetic recurrent neural network, often relying on probabilistic graphical models for signification.

Boltzmann machines

In short, this particular neural network is well-known for its ability to induce relaxation and consists of both visible and hidden units that are fully interconnected. It employ a stochastic method to learn and portray intricate data patterns, acting as probabilistic generative models.

These machines are also called probability distributions on high-dimensional binary vectors. With hidden nodes, it can represent any arbitrary probability distribution over binary vectors

What is Deep Learning?

Deep learning is undeniably mind-blowing” machine learning technique that teaches computers to do what comes naturally to humans: learn by example.

Boltzmann machines

It can be used with ease to predict the unpredictable”. Researchers and engineers are busy in creating artificial intelligence by using a combination of non-bio-neural networks and natural intelligence.

Deep Learning, in short, is going much beyond machine learning and its algorithms that are either supervised or unsupervised. In DL it uses many layers of nonlinear processing units for feature extraction and transformation. It has revolutionized today’s industries by demonstrating near-human-level accuracy in certain tasks. The task like pattern recognition, image classification, voice/text decoding, and many more.

Applications of Convolutional Neural Networks

  • Adoption in virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant for various tasks.
  • Implementation in security systems for facial recognition and access control.
  • Use in medical imaging for diagnostics and analysis.
  • Integration into smart home devices for automation and control.
  • Application in finance for fraud detection and risk management.
  • Utilization in customer service for chatbots and virtual agents.
  • Voice control in mobile devices like smartphones, TVs, and voice-command enabled speakers and TVs.
  • Integration into driverless cars, enabling recognition of road signs and distinguishing pedestrians from objects.
  • Revolutionary impact on image processing and classification.
  • Significant advancements in speech recognition accuracy.

Deep learning has emerged as a prominent area of interest due to its remarkable capabilities, garnering widespread attention from business leaders and developers alike. Its unprecedented ability to achieve results previously considered unattainable underscores the necessity for both communities to grasp its fundamentals. Understanding deep learning entails comprehending its functionalities, potential applications, and underlying mechanisms, empowering stakeholders to harness its transformative potential effectively.

Boltzmann Machines – Outlook

Similar to other neural networks, both BMs and RBMs devices comprises an input layer known as the visible layer and one or more hidden layers referred to as the hidden layer. Below are some high-level bullet points for Boltzmann Machines.

  • Energy-Based Models – BMs are a type of model that uses energy functions as a means of illustrating the probability distribution of information.
    • The energy function distinguishes between likely and unlikely data instances by giving lower energy to the former and higher energy to the latter.
    • The goal is to acquire an understanding of the energy function that can detect the core patterns and connections inherent in the data.
  • Nodes and Connections – BMs consist of synapses that connect neurons to one another.
    • Nodes can either be binary entities, where they take on a value of either 0 or 1, or they can be entities that have continuous values, where they can assume a range of real values.
    • The arrangement of nodes in the network involves grouping them into one or more layers, and each node enjoys connections to all other nodes, culminating in a fully integrated and interconnected framework.
  • Visible and Hidden Units – There are two distinct classifications in BMs: Visible units and hidden units.
    • The visible units represent the input data or observed variables.
    • The hidden elements gather the fundamental factors that capture the complex patterns and relationships present in the data.
    • The concealed units aid in reconstructing the input data by enabling the model to attain more advanced portrayals.
  • Energy Function – To make use of an energy function to assess how suitable the combinations of visible and hidden units are.
    • The determination of the energy for a particular configuration depends on the allocation of biases and weights to the connections.
    • The energy function is defined by adding the weighted inputs to each unit with their corresponding biases and taking the negative summation.
    • Lower energy values suggest a greater probability of configurations.
  • Probability Distribution – BMs use an energy function for creating a probability distribution that covers both the visible and hidden units.
    • The probability of a specific arrangement is associated with its adverse energy and can be mathematically represented as an exponential equation.
    • The normalization constant, also known as the partition function, ensures that the total probability of all possible configurations equals one.
  • Training – Acquiring information pertaining to the variables of the energy function, including weights and biases, is imperative when it comes to training Boltzmann machines.
    • The process of learning aims to adjust the parameters in a way that enhances the likelihood of the training data.
    • Performing accurate inference and parameter adjustments is a difficult undertaking due to the complex interdependencies within the model.
    • Boltzmann machines utilize the training algorithms Contrastive Divergence and Persistent Contrastive Divergence, which often incorporate Markov Chain Monte Carlo strategies.
  • Applications – BMs have demonstrated their usefulness in several applications, such as reducing dimensionality, acquiring features, and producing models.
    • In order to enhance the efficiency of training and constructing representations, restricted Boltzmann machines (RBMs) and deep belief networks (DBNs) have been employed.
    • RBMs, which share similarities with Boltzmann machines, have a limited network structure that enhances the learning process.

Boltzmann machines have played a significant role in the advancement of deep learning models and have been instrumental in the comprehension of probabilistic modeling and self-directed learning.

Boltzmann Machines -A Probabilistic Graphical Models

Boltzmann Machines – A kind of imaginary recurrent neural network and this normally gets interpreted from the probabilistic graphical models. Shortly and concisely, a  neural network is fully connected and consists of visible and hidden units. It operates in asynchronous mode with stochastic updates for each of its units.

Boltzmann Machines

Sir Geoffrey Hinton, the “Godfather of Deep Learning” coined Boltzmann Machine in 1985 for the first time. A well-known figure and personality in the deep learning community  Sir Geoffrey Hinton also a professor at the University of Toronto.

It works by updating each of its units in a stochastic manner without requiring synchronization, thus preventing the occurrence of local minima. Simulated annealing is used along with stochastic nodes to further enhance this process.

These machines are also called probability distributions on high-dimensional binary vectors. It’s a generative unsupervised model used for probability distribution from an original dataset. A great, demanding, or hungry tool for computation power, however, by restricting its network topology, the behavior can be controlled.

It is indeed an algorithm that is useful for dimensionality reduction, classification, regression, collaborative filtering, feature learning, and topic modeling.

Restricted Boltzmann Machines

Boltzmann machines are probability distributions on high dimensional binary vectors which are analogous to Gaussian Markov Random Fields in that they are fully determined by first and second-order moments.

It is used for pattern storage and retrieval. As per Wiki “A Boltzmann machine is also called stochastic Hopfield network with hidden units) is a type of stochastic recurrent neural network and Markov random field.” RBM itself has many applications, some of which are listed below

  • Collaborative filtering
  • Multiclass classification
  • Information retrieval
  • Motion capture modelling
  • Segmentation
  • Modelling natural images

Deep belief nets use the Boltzmann machine especially the Restricted Boltzmann machine as a key component but first order weight updates.

In short and in simple words we can say this – The Boltzmann machine, a type of stochastic spin-glass model with an external field, has been subject to various nomenclatures including the Sherrington-Kirkpatrick model with an external field and the Ising-Lenz-Little model. The present work provides a demonstration of a deviation from the conventional Sherrington-Kirkpatrick model, which pertains to the realm of stochastic Ising models.

Machine Learning (ML) - Everything You Need To Know

Conclusion –  While BMs were useful in the past, certain deep learning architectures, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs), have taken precedence over others because of their effectiveness in various applications, as opposed to the computationally intensive training required for the former. Deep learning, in short, is going much beyond machine learning and its algorithms that are either supervised or unsupervised. In DL, it uses many layers of nonlinear processing units for feature extraction and transformation. In the RBM, hidden units are connected only indirectly through visible units.

Points to Note:

All credits, if any, remain with the original contributor. We have now elaborated on BMs in little detail in our post. You can find earlier posts on Machine Learning: The Helicopter ViewSupervised Machine LearningUnsupervised Machine Learning, and Reinforcement Learning here.

Books + Other readings Referred

  • Open Internet
  • Hands-on personal research work @AILabPage

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By V Sharma

A seasoned technology specialist with over 22 years of experience, I specialise in fintech and possess extensive expertise in integrating fintech with trust (blockchain), technology (AI and ML), and data (data science). My expertise includes advanced analytics, machine learning, and blockchain (including trust assessment, tokenization, and digital assets). I have a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions in mobile financial services (such as cross-border remittances, mobile money, mobile banking, and payments), IT service management, software engineering, and mobile telecom (including mobile data, billing, and prepaid charging services). With a successful history of launching start-ups and business units on a global scale, I offer hands-on experience in both engineering and business strategy. In my leisure time, I'm a blogger, a passionate physics enthusiast, and a self-proclaimed photography aficionado.

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