Sensitivity analysis for minimization of input data dimension for feedforward neural network

Multilayer feedforward networks are often used for modeling complex relationships between the data sets. Deleting unimportant data components in the training sets could lead to smaller networks and reduced-size data vectors. This can be achieved by analyzing the total disturbance of network outputs due to perturbed inputs. The search for redundant data components is performed for networks with continuous outputs and is based on the concept in sensitivity of linearized neural networks. The formalized criteria and algorithm for pruning data vectors are formulated and illustrated with examples.>