Entropy nets: from decision trees to neural networks

How the mapping of decision trees into a multilayer neural network structure can be exploited for the systematic design of a class of layered neural networks, called entropy nets (which have far fewer connections), is shown. Several important issues such as the automatic tree generation, incorporation of the incremental learning, and the generalization of knowledge acquired during the tree design phase are discussed. A two-step methodology for designing entropy networks is presented. The methodology specifies the number of neurons needed in each layer, along with the desired output, thereby leading to a faster progressive training procedure that allows each layer to be trained separately. Two examples are presented to show the success of neural network design through decision-tree mapping.>