Cognitive computing is rapidly infusing every aspect of our lives. It relates to the three important fields of data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI). It allows computing systems to self-learn and keep on improving with the growing data in the system.
This book will introduce the readers to a whole new paradigm of computing that is totally different from the conventional computing of the Information Age. You will learn about the concepts of machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, and AI through the set of DLaaS APIs that IBM Watson provides. This book will show you how to build your own applications that will understand, plan, decide, solve problems, analyze, synthesize, and assess task as per your needs. You will be exposed to various domains of cognitive computing, such as natural language processing (NLP), media analytics, embedded deep learning, computer vision, emotion analytics, and situational awareness using different IBM Watson APIs, such as the conversation API and the Visual Recognition API. You'll also build sentiment analysis apps using the Tone Analyzer API, and explore the Personality Insights API, the Retrieve and Rank API, the Discovery API, among others.
This way, readers will be elevated to a level where they can fully understand what machine learning is, and what goes on behind the scenes to make computers do their magic, as well as the areas where these concepts can be applied. Having achieved this, readers will then be able to embark upon their journey of learning, researching, or applying the concepts they have learned to their respective fields.
This book is for beginners and novices; having some knowledge of AI and deep learning is an advantage, but not a prerequisite to benefit from this book. We explain the concepts of deep learning, Deep Learning as a Service (DLaaS), and AI through the set of tools that IBM Watson provides.
Chapter 1, Background, Transition and the Future of Computing, covers what conventional computing is, its limitations, and why we need cognitive computing. It also covers the downsides of conventional computing from different angles.
Chapter 2, Can Machines Converse Like Humans?, looks at conversations through machines and the concept of devices conversing with humans like humans, which goes into the chatbots you use every day.
Chapter 3, Computer Vision, discusses how computers can be given the ability to see something and make decisions to help us in tasks such as recognizing, categorizing, and alerting.
Chapter 4, This Is How Computers Speak, is about how computers convert text to speech and vice versa.
Chapter 5, Expecting Empathy from Dumb Computers, introduces the concept of empathy, as we understand it, and what we can expect from computers in terms of emotion and personal judgment.
Chapter 6, Language - How Watson Deals with NL, covers the discovery and understanding of unstructured content via cognitive metadata. This includes two subtopics—the discovery service, and natural language understanding.
Chapter 7, Structuring Unstructured Content Through Watson, is about four APIs that Watson provides, namely, language translator, natural language classifier, document conversion, and retrieve and rank.
Chapter 8, Putting It All Together with Watson, will introduce an application that demonstrates the use of many of the Watson services that we have covered in this book. This will demonstrate how these services can be brought together to achieve a simple, but interesting and useful application of those services.
Chapter 9, Future - Cognitive Computing and You, considers where cognitive computing is headed, and discusses some use cases in the fields of robotics and simulations, along with what you should do to move forward after completing this book. This chapter guides the reader by citing resources and providing tips about how to plan your next steps; which companies to look at for further research and jobs; and where to look if some professional help is required.
Having some knowledge of AI and deep learning will be an advantage, but not a prerequisite, to benefit from this book.
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