Probabilistic neural networks and the polynomial Adaline as complementary techniques for classification

Two methods for classification based on the Bayes strategy and nonparametric estimators for probability density functions are reviewed. The two methods are named the probabilistic neural network (PNN) and the polynomial Adaline. Both methods involve one-pass learning algorithms that can be implemented directly in parallel neural network architectures. The performances of the two methods are compared with multipass backpropagation networks, and relative advantages and disadvantages are discussed. PNN and the polynomial Adaline are complementary techniques because they implement the same decision boundaries but have different advantages for applications. PNN is easy to use and is extremely fast for moderate-sized databases. For very large databases and for mature applications in which classification speed is more important than training speed, the polynomial equivalent can be found.