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AI Domain Overview

Jul 11, 2025

Overview

This lecture provides an overview of the complex AI landscape, explaining key domains, how they overlap, and the basis for categorizing them.

Ways to Segment AI Domains

  • AI domains can be defined by input type, output type, or model type.
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP) focuses on processing human language inputs like voice or text.
  • Generative AI (GenAI) focuses on generating new content—text, images, or audio.
  • Domains often overlap, such as ChatGPT which uses both NLP and generative AI.

Model Types in AI

  • Rule-based AI uses if-then logic rules created by humans for decision-making.
  • Rule-based AI is limited because humans must know and define all rules, which is hard in changing scenarios.
  • Machine Learning (ML) allows machines to determine optimal rules by using data-driven training.
  • ML models are built in three steps: humans choose inputs and form, the machine optimizes parameters through training.
  • Various mathematical forms in ML include straight lines, curves, trees, and neural networks.

Neural Networks & Deep Learning

  • Neural networks mimic the human brain using interconnected nodes (neurons) in layers.
  • Deep neural networks have more than two hidden layers and are called deep learning models.
  • Deep learning is a subset of machine learning focused on complex models like large language models (LLMs).
  • Advanced AI models such as LLMs and image generators are built using deep learning.

Model Training

  • All machine learning models, including deep learning models, require a training process to learn from data.
  • The lecture mentions that training methods will be discussed in the next chapter.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Natural Language Processing (NLP) — AI domain focused on understanding and processing human language inputs.
  • Generative AI — AI that creates new text, image, or audio content.
  • Rule-based AI — AI using explicitly coded if-then rules for decision-making.
  • Machine Learning (ML) — AI domain where models learn rules from data via training.
  • Neural Network — AI model inspired by the human brain, consisting of layers of nodes (neurons).
  • Deep Learning — Subset of ML using neural networks with multiple hidden layers for complex tasks.
  • Large Language Model (LLM) — An advanced AI model built using deep learning to process and generate human language.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review the next chapter for details on model training methods.