The solution path of the generalized lasso

We present a path algorithm for the generalized lasso problem. This problem penalizes the $\ell_1$ norm of a matrix D times the coefficient vector, and has a wide range of applications, dictated by the choice of D. Our algorithm is based on solving the dual of the generalized lasso, which greatly facilitates computation of the path. For $D=I$ (the usual lasso), we draw a connection between our approach and the well-known LARS algorithm. For an arbitrary D, we derive an unbiased estimate of the degrees of freedom of the generalized lasso fit. This estimate turns out to be quite intuitive in many applications.Comment: Published in at http://dx.doi.org/10.1214/11-AOS878 the Annals of Statistics (http://www.imstat.org/aos/) by the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (http://www.imstat.org

A Path Algorithm for Constrained Estimation

Many least squares problems involve affine equality and inequality constraints. Although there are variety of methods for solving such problems, most statisticians find constrained estimation challenging. The current paper proposes a new path following algorithm for quadratic programming based on exact penalization. Similar penalties arise in $l_1$ regularization in model selection. Classical penalty methods solve a sequence of unconstrained problems that put greater and greater stress on meeting the constraints. In the limit as the penalty constant tends to $\infty$, one recovers the constrained solution. In the exact penalty method, squared penalties are replaced by absolute value penalties, and the solution is recovered for a finite value of the penalty constant. The exact path following method starts at the unconstrained solution and follows the solution path as the penalty constant increases. In the process, the solution path hits, slides along, and exits from the various constraints. Path following in lasso penalized regression, in contrast, starts with a large value of the penalty constant and works its way downward. In both settings, inspection of the entire solution path is revealing. Just as with the lasso and generalized lasso, it is possible to plot the effective degrees of freedom along the solution path. For a strictly convex quadratic program, the exact penalty algorithm can be framed entirely in terms of the sweep operator of regression analysis. A few well chosen examples illustrate the mechanics and potential of path following.Comment: 26 pages, 5 figure