Class-wise multi-classifier combination based on Dempster-Shafer theory

Multi-classifier combination based on Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence has demonstrated it’s superior performance. In the approach based on Dempster-Shafer theory, the basic probability assignments for evidence are usually derived from classifiers’ global performance. However, our study discovered that while using classifiers’ global performance as basic probability assignments doesn’t necessarily improve performance under some circumstances, the alternative approach using classifiers’ class-wise performance as basic probability assignments does improve the classification performance and outperforms the traditional one based on classifiers’ global performance. Basic probability assignments based on classifiers’ class-wise performances result in more accurate calculation of beliefs, thus boosts the combinator’s performance.