Generative Artificial Intelligence

Large Language Models

With deep learning technology established, the subsequent technological advancement needed for Generative AI is the Large Language Model (LLM).   An LLM is a deep learning program and therefore uses an artificial neural network to process information. These advanced AI systems are trained on vast quantities of text data, enabling them to understand, generate, and manipulate human language with accuracy and fluency.  The human-like text that the AI system can process, and produce, mimicking human communication in various contexts and styles is called natural language.

When prompting Copilot to "Explain how an LLM works," the following was generated:

Imagine you're trying to become an expert in a new language. Here's how a large language model (LLM) does something similar, but for all kinds of topics:

• "Reading" everything
  • First, the LLM processes an enormous amount of text - like reading millions of books, articles, and websites. This is its way of learning about the world.
• Pattern recognition
  • As it processes the text, the LLM starts identifying patterns. For example, it might identify that "cat" and "dog" often appear in similar contexts, so it learns they're both pets.
• Word relationships
  • The LLM generates a sort of mental map, where words and ideas that are related are placed close together. It's like a giant web of connections.
• Predicting what comes next
  • When you start typing, the LLM uses its neural network to guess what you might say next, kind of like how your phone suggests the next word when you're texting
• Context matters
  • The LLM processes whole context of what you're saying, not just individual words. Using the whole context allows it to make better predictions
• Learning from mistakes
  • ​​​​​​​During training, the LLM makes predictions and then checks if it's right. When it's wrong, it adjusts its parameters to make better predictions over time.
• Massive scale
  • ​​​​​​​All of this happens on a huge scale. The LLM has billions of "neurons" (like brain cells) that work together to process information.
• Generating responses
  • ​​​​​​​When you ask a question, the LLM uses its "mental map" of information, finds the relevant parts, and puts together an answer.
• Constant improvement
  • ​​​​​​​Just like how you get better at a subject by studying more, LLMs can be updated with new information to improve their knowledge and abilities.