Real-time Algorithms for Sparse Neuronal System Identification

We consider the problem of sparse adaptive neuronal system identification, where the goal is to estimate the sparse time-varying neuronal model parameters in an online fashion from neural spiking observations. We develop two adaptive filters based on greedy estimation techniques and regularized log-likelihood maximization. We apply the proposed algorithms to simulated spiking data as well as experimentally recorded data from the ferret's primary auditory cortex during performance of auditory tasks. Our results reveal significant performance gains achieved by the proposed algorithms in terms of sparse identification and trackability, compared to existing algorithms.