The problem of signal representation in terms of basis vectors from a large
, overcomplete, spanning dictionary has been the focus of much research. Ac
hieving a succinct, or 'sparse', representation is known as the problem of
best basis representation. Methods are considered which seek to solve this
problem by sequentially building up a basis set for the signal. Three disti
nct algorithm types have appeared in the literature which are here termed b
asic matching pursuit (BMP), order recursive matching pursuit (ORMP) and mo
dified matching pursuit (MMP). The algorithms are first described and then
their computation is closely examined. Modifications are made to each of th
e procedures which improve their computational efficiency. The complexity o
f each algorithm is considered in two contexts; one where the dictionary is
variable (time-dependent) and the other where the dictionary is fixed (tim
e-independent). Experimental results are presented which demonstrate that t
he ORMP method is the best procedure in terms of its ability to give the mo
st compact signal representation, followed by MMP and then BMP which gives
the poorest results. Finally, weighing the performance of each algorithm, i
ts computational complexity and the type of dictionary available, recommend
ations are made as to which algorithm should be used for a given problem.