Understanding YOLO11 and P2 Layer

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 134 views

Introduction

YOLO (You Only Look Once) is a popular real-time object detection algorithm that has been widely used in various applications such as surveillance, self-driving cars, and robotics. However, training YOLO models can be challenging, especially when adding new layers or modifying the existing architecture. In this article, we will discuss how to make YOLO11 training with an added P2 layer converge.

Understanding YOLO11 and P2 Layer

YOLO11 is a variant of the YOLO algorithm that uses a 11-layer convolutional neural network (CNN) to detect objects. The P2 layer is a new addition to the YOLO11 architecture, which is designed to improve the detection of small targets. By adding the P2 layer, we can increase the model's ability to detect small objects, but it also introduces new challenges in training the model.

Training Strategy

To train the YOLO11 model with the added P2 layer, we need to follow a specific strategy. Here are the steps we can take:

1. Pre-training Weights

We start by loading the pre-training weights of the YOLO11 model, which is available in the yolo11n.pt file. This will help the model to learn the features of the existing layers and improve the detection of small targets.

2. Layered Optimization

We use layered optimization to train the model, where we optimize the newly added P2 layer with a learning rate of 5e-4, and the original existing layers with a learning rate of 1e-4. This will help the model to learn the features of the new layer while maintaining the performance of the existing layers.

3. Box Loss and Pose Loss

We monitor the box loss and pose loss during training, which are essential metrics for evaluating the model's performance. However, we notice that the box loss and pose loss keep jumping with very little downward trend, indicating that the model is not converging.

Optimization Techniques

To optimize the training process and make the model converge, we can try the following techniques:

1. Learning Rate Scheduling

We can use learning rate scheduling to adjust the learning rate of the P2 layer and the existing layers. This can help the model to learn the features of the new layer while maintaining the performance of the existing layers.

2. Weight Decay

We can add weight decay to the model to prevent overfitting and improve the generalization of the model.

3. Batch Normalization

We can use batch normalization to normalize the input data and improve the stability of the model.

4. Data Augmentation

We can use data augmentation to increase the diversity of the training data and improve the robustness of the model.

Conclusion

Training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer can be challenging, but with the right strategy and optimization techniques, we can make the model converge. By loading pre-training weights, using layered optimization, and monitoring box loss and pose loss, we can improve the detection of small targets. Additionally, we can use learning rate scheduling, weight decay, batch normalization, and data augmentation to optimize the training process and make the model converge.

Recommendations

Based on our experience, we recommend the following:

Use pre-training weights to load the existing features of the model.
Use layered optimization to train the model, where the newly added P2 layer is optimized with a learning rate of 5e-4, and the existing layers are optimized with a learning rate of 1e-4.
Monitor box loss and pose loss during training to evaluate the model's performance.
Use learning rate scheduling, weight decay, batch normalization, and data augmentation to optimize the training process.

By following these recommendations, we can make YOLO11 training with an added P2 layer converge and improve the detection of small targets.

Future Work

In the future, we plan to explore other optimization techniques, such as:

Using different learning rates for different layers
Using different optimizers, such as Adam or RMSProp
Using different activation functions, such as ReLU or Leaky ReLU
Using different regularization techniques, such as dropout or L1/L2 regularization

Q: What is the main challenge in training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer?

A: The main challenge in training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer is that the model is not converging, and the box loss and pose loss are jumping with very little downward trend.

Q: Why is it difficult to train YOLO11 with an added P2 layer?

A: It is difficult to train YOLO11 with an added P2 layer because the new layer is introducing new features that are not well-learned by the model, and the existing layers are not well-optimized for the new layer.

Q: What is the recommended strategy for training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer?

A: The recommended strategy for training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer is to use pre-training weights, layered optimization, and monitor box loss and pose loss during training.

Q: What is the role of pre-training weights in training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer?

A: Pre-training weights play a crucial role in training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer by loading the existing features of the model, which helps the model to learn the new features of the P2 layer.

Q: What is the role of layered optimization in training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer?

A: Layered optimization plays a crucial role in training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer by optimizing the newly added P2 layer with a learning rate of 5e-4, and the existing layers with a learning rate of 1e-4.

Q: What are the benefits of using learning rate scheduling in training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer?

A: The benefits of using learning rate scheduling in training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer are that it helps the model to learn the features of the new layer while maintaining the performance of the existing layers.

Q: What are the benefits of using weight decay in training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer?

A: The benefits of using weight decay in training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer are that it helps to prevent overfitting and improve the generalization of the model.

Q: What are the benefits of using batch normalization in training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer?

A: The benefits of using batch normalization in training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer are that it helps to normalize the input data and improve the stability of the model.

Q: What are the benefits of using data augmentation in training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer?

A: The benefits of using data augmentation in training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer are that it helps to increase the diversity of the training data and improve the robustness of the model.

Q: What are the future directions for improving the training of YOLO11 with an added P2 layer?

A: The future directions for improving the training of YOLO11 with an added P2 layer are to explore other optimization techniques, such as using different learning rates for different layers, using different optimizers, using different activation functions, and using different regularization techniques.

Q: How can I get help if I am still having trouble training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer?

A: If you are still having trouble training YOLO11 with an added P2 layer, you can try the following:

Check the official YOLOv5 documentation and GitHub repository for any updates or fixes.
Search online for any existing solutions or workarounds.
Reach out to the YOLOv5 community or forums for help and support.
Consider seeking help from a professional or expert in the field.