How to Make a CNN Predict a Continuous Value?

Answer : To make a CNN predict a continuous value, use it in a regression setup by having the final layer output a single neuron with a linear activation function.

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are widely recognized for their prowess in handling image data, typically in classification tasks. However, their versatility extends to regression problems, where the goal is to predict a continuous value. The adaptation of a CNN for regression involves a tailored architecture and output layer configuration.

Architecture Adjustments:

Component	Classification	Regression
Input Layer	Image Dimensions	Image Dimensions
Convolutional Layers	Multiple, for feature extraction	Multiple, for feature extraction
Activation Functions	ReLU (commonly)	ReLU (commonly)
Pooling Layers	Yes, to reduce dimensionality	Yes, to reduce dimensionality
Fully Connected Layers	Yes, leading to a softmax output for categories	Yes, but leading to a single neuron
Output Layer	Softmax for multiple categories	Single neuron with linear activation
Loss Function	Cross-entropy	Mean Squared Error (MSE) or similar

Key Adjustments for Regression:

• Output Layer: Instead of a softmax function for classification, use a single neuron with a linear activation function. This outputs a continuous value directly.
• Loss Function: Employ a regression-appropriate loss function, such as Mean Squared Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), or Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), depending on the specific requirements of the task.

Conclusion:

Transforming a CNN from a classification to a regression model primarily involves modifying the output layer to predict a continuous value and selecting an appropriate loss function. This adaptation leverages the CNN’s feature extraction capabilities to analyze image data for regression analysis, extending its application beyond traditional classification tasks.