Evolving pattern recognition systems

A hybrid evolutionary learning algorithm is presented that synthesizes a complete multiclass pattern recognition system. The approach uses a multifaceted representation that evolves layers of processing to perform feature extraction from raw input data, select cooperative sets of feature detectors, and assemble a linear classifier that uses the detectors´ responses to label targets. The hybrid algorithm, called hybrid evolutionary learning for pattern recognition (HELPR), blends elements of evolutionary programming, genetic programming, and genetic algorithms to perform a search for an effective set of feature detectors. Individual detectors are represented as expressions composed of morphological and arithmetic operations. Starting with a few small random expressions, HELPR expands the number and complexity of the features to produce a recognition system that achieves high accuracy. Results are presented that demonstrate the performance of HELPR-generated recognition systems applied to the task of classification of high-range resolution radar signals.