Neural networks: an introduction

In this chapter, neural networks are discussed. The present field of neural networks links a number of closely related areas, such as parallel distributed processing, connectionism and neural computing, these being brought together with the common theme of attempting to exhibit the method of computing which is witnessed in the study of biological neural systems. A fundamental aspect of artificial neural networks is the use of simple processing elements which are essentially models of neurons in the brain. These elements are then connected together in a well-structured fashion, although the strength and nature of each of the connecting links dictates the overall operational characteristics for the total network.