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From: cdaf@iuvax.UUCP (Charles Daffinger)
Newsgroups: net.ai
Subject: Re: simulating a neural network
Message-ID: <1781@iuvax.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 30-Oct-86 10:20:24 EST
Article-I.D.: iuvax.1781
Posted: Thu Oct 30 10:20:24 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 31-Oct-86 13:57:56 EST
References: <223@eneevax.UUCP> <1601@ncoast.UUCP> <151@uwslh.UUCP>
Reply-To: cdaf@iuvax.UUCP (Charles Daffinger)
Distribution: net
Organization: Indiana University, Bloomington
Lines: 30

In article <151@uwslh.UUCP> lishka@uwslh.UUCP 	[Chris Lishka] writes:
>
>...
>	Apparently Bell Labs (I think) has been experimenting with neural
>network-like chips, with resistors replacing bytes (I guess).  They started
>out with about 22 'neurons' and have gotten up to 256 or 512 (can't
>remember which) 'neurons' on one chip now.  Apparently these 'neurons' are
>supposed to run much faster than human neurons...
             ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

What bothers me is that the performance is rated upon speed.  Unlike the 
typical syncronous digital computer, neuronal networks are asyncronous, 
communicating via a temporal discharge of 'spikes' through axons which vary
considerably in length, as well as speed, and exploit the use of SLOW signals
just as they do those of FAST signals.  (look at the neral mechanism for a
reflex, or for that of focusing the eye, as an example).

I am curious as to how much of the essence of their namesakes was really
captured in these 'neurons'?


-charles

 



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... You raise the blade, you make the change, you re-arrange me til I'm sane...
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