Convolutional layers in deep learning

When we introduced the idea of deep learning, we discussed how the word "deep" refers not only to the fact that we use many layers in our neural net, but also to the fact that we have a "deeper" learning process. Part of this deeper learning process was the ability of the neural net to learn features autonomously. In the previous section, we defined specific filters to help the network learn specific characteristics. This is not necessarily what we want. As we discussed, the point of deep learning is that the system learns on its own, and if we had to teach the network what features or characteristics are important, or how to learn to recognize digits by applying layers such as the edges layer that highlights the general shape of a digit, we would be doing most of the work and possibly constraining the network to learn features that may be relevant to us but not to the network, degrading its performance. The point of Deep Learning is that the system...