A New Method for Figuring the Number of Hidden Layer Nodes in BP Algorithm

Abstract

In the field of artificial neural network, BP neural network is a multi-layer feed-forward neural network. Because it is difficult to figure the number of hidden layer nodes in a BP neural network, the theoretical basis and the existing methods for BP network hidden layer nodes are studied. Then based on traditional empirical formulas, we propose a new approach to rapidly figure the quantity of hidden layer nodes in two-layer network. That is, with the assistance of experience formulas, the horizon of unit number in hidden layer can be confirmed and its optimal value will be found in this horizon. Finally, a new formula for figuring the quantity of hidden layer codes is obtained through fitting input dimension, output dimension and the optimal value of hidden layer codes. Under some given input dimension and output dimension, efficiency and precision of BP algorithm may be improved by applying the proposed formula.