A method of analysing data by using an artificial neural network to identify relationships between the data and one or more conditions.

摘要

A method of determining a relationship between input data, and one or more conditions, for example medical conditions, weather conditions, etc., comprising the steps of: receiving input data categorised into one or more predetermined classes of condition; training an artificial neural network with the input data, the artificial neural network comprising an input layer having one or more input nodes arranged to receive input data; a hidden layer comprising two or more hidden nodes, the nodes of the hidden layer being connected to the one or more nodes of the input layer by connections of adjustable weight; and, an output layer having an output node arranged to output data related to the one or more conditions, the output node being connected to the nodes of the hidden layer by connections of adjustable weight; determining relationships between the input data and the one or more conditions wherein the artificial neural network has a constrained architecture in which (i) the number of hidden nodes within the hidden layer is constrained; and, (ii) the initial weights of the connections between nodes are restricted. The data may represent gene expression data or the activity functions of proteins.