Genetic optimization of modular neural networks with fuzzy response integration for human recognition

In this paper we propose a new approach to genetic optimization of modular neural networks with fuzzy response integration. The architecture of the modular neural network and the structure of the fuzzy system (for response integration) are designed using genetic algorithms. The proposed methodology is applied to the case of human recognition based on three biometric measures, namely iris, ear, and voice. Experimental results show that optimal modular neural networks can be designed with the use of genetic algorithms and as a consequence the recognition rates of such networks can be improved significantly. In the case of optimization of the fuzzy system for response integration, the genetic algorithm not only adjusts the number of membership functions and rules, but also allows the variation on the type of logic (type-1 or type-2) and the change in the inference model (switching to Mamdani model or Sugeno model). Another interesting finding of this work is that when human recognition is performed under noisy conditions, the response integrators of the modular networks constructed by the genetic algorithm are found to be optimal when using type-2 fuzzy logic. This could have been expected as there has been experimental evidence from previous works that type-2 fuzzy logic is better suited to model higher levels of uncertainty. 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.