LightGCNet: A Lightweight Geometric Constructive Neural Network for Data-Driven Soft sensors

Data-driven soft sensors provide a potentially cost-effective and more accurate modeling approach to measure difficult-to-measure indices in industrial processes compared to mechanistic approaches. AI techniques, such as deep learning, have become a popular soft sensors modeling approach in the area of machine learning and big data. However, soft sensors models based deep learning potentially lead to complex model structures and excessive training time. In addition, industrial processes often rely on distributed control systems (DCS) characterized by resource constraints. Herein, guided by spatial geometric, a lightweight geometric constructive neural network, namely LightGCNet, is proposed, which utilizes compact angle constraint to assign the hidden parameters from dynamic intervals. At the same time, a node pool strategy and spatial geometric relationships are used to visualize and optimize the process of assigning hidden parameters, enhancing interpretability. In addition, the universal approximation property of LightGCNet is proved by spatial geometric analysis. Two versions algorithmic implementations of LightGCNet are presented in this article. Simulation results concerning both benchmark datasets and the ore grinding process indicate remarkable merits of LightGCNet in terms of small network size, fast learning speed, and sound generalization.