C++ Neural Networks and Fuzzy Logic: Preface

C++ Neural Networks and Fuzzy Logic

by Valluru B. Rao

MTBooks, IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.

ISBN: 1558515526   Pub Date: 06/01/95

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Chapter 11

The Kohonen Self−Organizing Map

Introduction

This chapter discusses one type of unsupervised competitive learning, the Kohonen feature map, or

self−organizing map (SOM). As you recall, in unsupervised learning there are no expected outputs presented

to a neural network, as in a supervised training algorithm such as backpropagation. Instead, a network, by its

self−organizing properties, is able to infer relationships and learn more as more inputs are presented to it. One

advantage to this scheme is that you can expect the system to change with changing conditions and inputs.

The system constantly learns. The Kohonen SOM is a neural network system developed by Teuvo Kohonen

of Helsinki University of Technology and is often used to classify inputs into different categories.

Applications for feature maps can be traced to many areas, including speech recognition and robot motor

control.