Searchplex ID Retrieval terminology registry

Method

Dense Encoder

Canonical ID https://id.searchplex.net/dense-encoder/

An encoder that maps an input, such as a query, document, image, or other item, to a dense vector representation.

Scope

In dense retrieval, dense encoders commonly produce query and document vectors for similarity-based retrieval. A dense encoder is an encoding component, not by itself a complete retrieval architecture. A dual encoder typically contains or uses independently applied encoders, but not every dense encoder is part of a dual-encoder retrieval system.

Not equivalent to

  • Dense Encoder is not Cross-Encoder. A dense encoder produces a dense vector for an input; a cross-encoder jointly processes an input pair.
  • Dense Encoder is not Dense Retrieval. Dense Encoder names an encoding component; dense retrieval names a retrieval approach using dense representations.
  • Dense Encoder is not Dual Encoder. A dual encoder combines independently encoded sides of a matching problem; a dense encoder is one encoder component.

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