An online self-adaptive modular neural network for time-varying systems

We propose an online self-adaptive modular neural network (OSAMNN) for time-varying systems. Starting with zero subnetworks, OSAMNN uses a single-pass subtractive cluster algorithm to update the centers of radial-basis function (RBF) neurons for learning. Then the input space can be partitioned. The OSAMNN structure is capable of growing or merging subnetworks to maintain suitable model complexity, and the centers of RBF neurons can also be dynamically adjusted according to changes in the data environment. A fuzzy strategy is applied to select suitable subnetworks to learn the current sample. This method yields improved learning efficiency and accuracy. OSAMNN can adapt its architecture to realize online modeling of time-varying nonlinear input–output maps. Results for experiments on benchmark and real-world time-varying systems support the proposed techniques.