An algorithm for optimal single linear feature extraction from several gaussian pattern classes

A computational algorithm is presented for the extraction of an optimal single linear feature from several Gaussian pattern classes. The algorithm minimizes the increase in the probability of misclassification in the transformed (feature) space. The general approach used in this procedure was developed in a recent paper by R. J. P. de Figueiredo.(1) Numerical results on the application of this procedure to the remotely sensed data from the Purdue C1 flight line as well asLandsat data are presented. It was found that classification using the optimal single linear feature yielded a value for the probability of misclassification on the order of 30% less than that obtained by using the best single untransformed feature. The optimal single linear feature gave performance results comparable to those obtained by using the two features which maximized the average divergence. Also discussed are improvements in classification results using this method when the size of the training set is small.