An Efficient Parameter Optimization of Maximum Correntropy Criterion

The maximum correntropy criterion (MCC) algorithm depends upon two fundamental parameters, i.e., step-size and kernel width. Previous studies of parameter optimization in the MCC mainly focus on a single parameter (mainly the kernel width), lacking optimization research concerning both parameters. To this end, this letter investigates a novel optimization scheme simultaneously involving step-size and kernel width. The optimization framework is based on making the power of weight error vector undergo the steepest attenuation. Under the premise of maintaining the same evolutionary trend for time-varying step-size and kernel width, we formulate a constrained parameter optimization problem, where the step-size is subject to a kernel width induced constraint. By taking this approach, the original bivariate optimization can be transformed into a univariate optimization problem, which facilitates optimization solving. We further develop an existing reset scheme to make it suitable for kernel width to ensure a good tracking capability. In addition, we investigate the convergence behavior of the optimized algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate that the developed optimization scheme is beneficial for performance improvement, and the resulting algorithm outperforms some state-of-art MCC-based algorithms.