Zhang neural networks: an introduction to predictive computations for discretized time-varying matrix problems

Abstract

This paper wants to increase our understanding and computational know-how for time-varying matrix problems and Zhang Neural Networks. These neural networks were invented for time or single parameter-varying matrix problems around 2001 in China and almost all of their advances have been made in and most still come from its birthplace. Zhang Neural Network methods have become a backbone for solving discretized sensor driven time-varying matrix problems in real-time, in theory and in on-chip applications for robots, in control theory and other engineering applications in China. They have become the method of choice for many time-varying matrix problems that benefit from or require efficient, accurate and predictive real-time computations. A typical discretized Zhang Neural Network algorithm needs seven distinct steps in its initial set-up. The construction of discretized Zhang Neural Network algorithms starts from a model equation with its associated error equation and the stipulation that the error function decrease exponentially fast. The error function differential equation is then mated with a convergent look-ahead finite difference formula to create a distinctly new multi-step style solver that predicts the future state of the system reliably from current and earlier state and solution data. Matlab codes of discretized Zhang Neural Network algorithms for time varying matrix problems typically consist of one linear equations solve and one recursion of already available data per time step. This makes discretized Zhang Neural network based algorithms highly competitive with ordinary differential equation initial value analytic continuation methods for function given data that are designed to work adaptively. Discretized Zhang Neural Network methods have different characteristics and applicabilities than multi-step ordinary differential equations (ODEs) initial value solvers. These new time-varying matrix methods can solve matrix-given problems from sensor data with constant sampling gaps or from functional equations. To illustrate the adaptability of discretized Zhang Neural Networks and further the understanding of this method, this paper details the seven step set-up process for Zhang Neural Networks and twelve separate time-varying matrix models. It supplies new codes for seven of these. Open problems are mentioned as well as detailed references to recent work on discretized Zhang Neural Networks and time-varying matrix computations. Comparisons are given to standard non-predictive multi-step methods that use initial value problems ODE solvers and analytic continuation methods.