Hierarchical Parallel Genetic Optimization Fuzzy ARTMAP Ensemble

In this paper, a framework for designing optimum pattern classifiers is proposed. The fuzzy ARTMAP (FAM) is first used as a base classifier. Multiple FAM classifiers form an ensemble to improve classification accuracy. Multi-objective genetic algorithms (GAs) are then used to search for the best combinations of variables, for the FAM classifiers. Based on the population of potential solutions, another GA selects the best combination of FAM classifiers to create an ensemble. Individual decisions are combined using a probabilistic voting scheme. To increase the inter-classifier diversity, a hierarchical parallel GA variant and a negative correlation method is employed during the genetic optimization phase for the ensemble evaluation. The proposed framework is evaluated using benchmark and real-world data sets, and the results compared with literature. Results positively indicate the proposed framework is effective in undertaking data classification tasks.