Application of deterministic annealing EM algorithm to MAP/PH parameter estimation

Abstract

This paper proposes a variant of EM (expectation-maximization) algorithm for Markovian arrival process (MAP) and phase-type distribution (PH) parameter estimation. Especially, we derive the deterministic annealing EM (DAEM) algorithm for MAP/PH parameter estimation. The DAEM algorithm is one of the methods to overcome a local maxima problem associated with the conventional EM algorithm. This paper derives concrete E- and M-step formulas for MAP parameter estimation from inter-arrival time data and PH parameter estimation from point samples in the framework of DAEM algorithm. Numerical examples demonstrate the DAEM algorithm for Markov-modulated Poisson process (MMPP) and several classes of PH distribution.