Linearly-constrained nonsmooth optimization for training autoencoders

Abstract

A regularized minimization model with $l_1$-norm penalty (RP) is introduced for training the autoencoders that belong to a class of two-layer neural networks. We show that the RP can act as an exact penalty model which shares the same global minimizers, local minimizers, and d(irectional)-stationary points with the original regularized model under mild conditions. We construct a bounded box region that contains at least one global minimizer of the RP, and propose a linearly constrained regularized minimization model with $l_1$-norm penalty (LRP) for training autoencoders. A smoothing proximal gradient algorithm is designed to solve the LRP. Convergence of the algorithm to a generalized d-stationary point of the RP and LRP is delivered. Comprehensive numerical experiments convincingly illustrate the efficiency as well as the robustness of the proposed algorithm.

arXiv commentto be published in "SIAM Journal on Optimization"