Closed loop optimization of features for neural classifiers

The selection and preprocessing of features are crucial to the success of a classifier for pattern recognition applications. The preprocessing often involves filters, transformations and non-linear processing of the raw data. Since the training data required is an exponential function of the number of features, a reduction or transformation of the features is essential. While it is frequently possible to heuristically select reasonable values pertaining to the selection of these parameters, an automated approach could be of great value in different application areas. Various factors relating to the optimization process are described and the results of continuous wavelet based optimization on seismic buffer recognition are described.