Novel fuzzy reinforced learning vector quantisation algorithm and its application in image compression

A new approach to the design of optimised codebooks using vector quantisation (VQ) is presented. A strategy of reinforced learning (RL) is proposed which exploits the advantages offered by fuzzy clustering algorithms, competitive learning and knowledge of training vector and codevector configurations. Results are compared with the performance of the generalised Lloyd algorithm (GLA) and the fuzzy K-means (FKM) algorithm. It has been found that the proposed algorithm, fuzzy reinforced learning vector quantisation (FRLVQ), yields an improved quality of codebook design in an image compression application when FRLVQ is used as a pre-process. The investigations have also indicated that RL is insensitive to the selection of both the initial codebook and a learning rate control parameter, which is the only additional parameter introduced by RL from the standard FKM.