Convolutional Versus Recurrent Neural Network

Convolutional neural networks and recurrent neural networks are the building blocks used to build artificial intelligence, one of most transformative technological advancements today. 

What Is a Convolutional Neural Network?

A convolutional neural network, also known as ConvNet or CNN, is a deep-learning network architecture used to analyse images by processing data with a grid-like topology. CNNs learn directly from data, eliminating the need for manual feature extraction.

The CNN model can be used to find patterns in images to recognize objects, faces, and scenes and to turn a picture into a painting. They are used in image recognition, image classification, and object and face detection. They can also be useful in creating a list of non-photorealistic rendering techniques. In addition to analysing images, CNNs can be used to classify audio, time series, and signal data.

What Is a Neural Network?

A neural network, or artificial neural network (ANN), is an interconnected group of nodes designed to mimic the activity of the human brain. Like the brain, these systems use learning algorithms to improve their performance over time.

Neural networks are designed to independently make adjustments, allowing computers to identify patterns as they receive new input and solve common problems. They have become very important tools in the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning.

Neural networks are composed of three interconnected layers: input, hidden, and output. The input layer accepts the inputs, the hidden layer processes the inputs, and the output layer produces the result. They assign different weights to inputs that are used by ANNs to determine the most appropriate output based on that particular input. 

What Is a Recurrent Neural Network?

Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) are a form of machine learning algorithm that uses sequential data or time-series data. With RNNs, the outputs from the previous step are fed as input to the current step, making them important tools when context is critical to predicting an outcome. 

They are able to remember the input because of internal memory that exists on the network. RNNs utilise the patterns and sequential properties of the data to predict the next, most likely scenario; they are used in speech recognition and natural language processing. 

Convolutional Versus Recurrent Neural Networks 

There are a number of key differences between CNNs and RNNs:

1. CNNs and RNNs differ in their ability to process temporal information. While RNNs are designed to process temporal information, CNNs cannot do this effectively.

1. CNNs are designed to handle spatial data (images and videos), whereas RNNs are better suited for handling temporal or sequential data, making them ideal for text and speech analysis.
2. CNNs utilise a feed-forward network and require minimal amounts of preprocessing, while RNNs use their internal memory to process arbitrary sequences of inputs.
3. CNNs use filters to transform data, whereas RNNs are predictive because they use internal memory to generate the next output in a series. Because RNNs have internal memory, they require more computing power than CNNs.
4. CNNs use the connectivity patterns available in neurons to identify patterns between the input and output, while RNNs use time-series information. 

In a Nutshell 

CNNs and RNNs are two of the most popular types of neural networks. Because their structure differs, CNNs and RNNs are deployed for entirely different uses. For more about neural networks, check out our recent article on artificial neural networks versus convolutional neural networks.