Improved Golf Optimization for Feature Selection in Palm Vein and Fingerprint Biometrics (MATLAB)

Hello,

I am currently working on my MPhil research titled:

“Improved Golf Optimization Algorithm for Feature Selection in Multimodal Biometrics.”

My study focuses on feature selection for a multimodal biometric system combining palm vein and fingerprint data, implemented in MATLAB using an Improved Golf Optimization Algorithm (GOA).

I would appreciate guidance on the following:

1. Fitness Function Design for Multimodal Biometrics

• In MATLAB, what is the best way to design a fitness function that:
• maximizes recognition accuracy for palm vein + fingerprint fusion, and
• minimizes the number of selected features?
• Is a weighted-sum fitness function appropriate, or should a multi-objective approach be used?

1. Binary Feature Selection Encoding

• For GOA-based feature selection, is it better to:
• apply a sigmoid (or V-shaped) transfer function to convert continuous positions to binary feature masks, or
• redesign GOA directly as a binary optimizer?
• Any MATLAB examples or recommended practices?

1. Feature-Level Fusion Strategy

• When combining palm vein and fingerprint features:
• should feature selection be performed before fusion (independently per modality), or
• after feature-level fusion?
• What approach is more efficient and commonly used in MATLAB implementations?

1. Classifier Integration

• What is the most efficient way to integrate classifiers (e.g., SVM, KNN) inside the optimization loop in MATLAB?
• How can computation time be reduced during repeated fitness evaluations?

1. Evaluation Metrics

• Besides accuracy, which metrics are most suitable for palm vein and fingerprint systems (e.g., FAR, FRR, EER)?
• Are there MATLAB functions or toolboxes recommended for biometric performance evaluation?

If anyone has experience with metaheuristic feature selection, Golf Optimization, or palm vein and fingerprint recognition in MATLAB, your advice would be highly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and support.

Best regards,