Multigradient: a new neural network learning algorithm for pattern classification

The authors propose a new learning algorithm for multilayer feedforward neural networks, which converges faster and achieves a better classification accuracy than the conventional backpropagation learning algorithm for pattern classification. In the conventional backpropagation learning algorithm, weights are adjusted to reduce the error or cost function that reflects the differences between the computed and the desired outputs. In the proposed learning algorithm, the authors view each term of the output layer as a function of weights and adjust the weights directly so that the output neurons produce the desired outputs. Experiments with remotely sensed data show the proposed algorithm consistently performs better than the conventional backpropagation learning algorithm in terms of classification accuracy and convergence speed