Density Encoding Enables Resource-Efficient Randomly Connected Neural Networks

• The deployment of machine learning algorithms on resource-constrained edge devices is an important challenge from both theoretical and applied points of view. In this brief, we focus on resource-efficient randomly connected neural networks known as random vector functional link (RVFL) networks since their simple design and extremely fast training time make them very attractive for solving many applied classification tasks. We propose to represent input features via the density-based encoding known in the area of stochastic computing and use the operations of binding and bundling from the area of hyperdimensional computing for obtaining the activations of the hidden neurons. Using a collection of 121 real-world data sets from the UCI machine learning repository, we empirically show that the proposed approach demonstrates higher average accuracy than the conventional RVFL. We also demonstrate that it is possible to represent the readout matrix using only integers in a limited range with minimal loss in the accuracy. In this case, the proposed approach operates only on small ${n}$ -bits integers, which results in a computationally efficient architecture. Finally, through hardware field-programmable gate array (FPGA) implementations, we show that such an approach consumes approximately 11 times less energy than that of the conventional RVFL.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Data- och informationsvetenskap -- Datavetenskap (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Computer and Information Sciences -- Computer Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Density-based encoding

hyperdimensional computing

random vector functional link (RVFL) networks

Encoding (symbols)

Field programmable gate arrays (FPGA)

Learning algorithms

Machine learning

Network coding

Stochastic systems

Classification tasks

Computationally efficient

Field-programmable gate array implementations

Functional links

Hidden neurons

Resource-efficient

Stochastic computing

UCI machine learning repository

Neural networks

Dependable Communication and Computation Systems

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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