Optimization of modular neural networks using hierarchical genetic algorithms applied to speech recognition

We describe in this paper the evolution of modular neural networks using hierarchical genetic algorithms. Modular Neural Networks (MNN) have shown significant learning improvement over single Neural Networks (NN). For this reason, the use of MNN for pattern recognition is well justified. However, network topology design of MNN is at least an order of magnitude more difficult than for classical NNs. We describe in this paper the use of a Hierarchical Genetic Algorithm (HGA) for optimizing the topology of each of the neural network modules of the MNN. The HGA is clearly needed due to the fact that topology optimization requires that we are able to manage both the layer and node information for each of the MNN modules. Simulation results shown in this paper prove the feasibility and advantages of the proposed approach. The method of integration of response is based on Fuzzy Integral and Sugeno Measures, where parameter X also is optimized by means of the Hierarchical Genetic Algorithms.