Factor Graphs

Factor graphs are visual tools used to represent the structure of complex probability models. They consist of two types of nodes: variable nodes, representing uncertain quantities, and factor nodes, representing functions or constraints that relate those variables. Edges connect variables to the factors that involve them. This layout helps to understand and compute how different variables influence each other, making it easier to perform tasks like inference, where we deduce unknown variables based on known information. Think of them as maps that show how different pieces of data connect and affect each other within a system.