Skip to main content
Log in

On a simple stochastic neuron — Like unit

  • Published:
Biological Cybernetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We consider a simple stochastic unit realized by digital ANDs and ORs. The function of the unit is inspired by nerve cells found in brains of higher organisms. Information is carried by trains of pulses in time. Therefore, time is introduced into the model as an essential variable. Principles of stochastic computing are used to appropriately model weighted summation of inputs. The model unit allows to process analog information as is provided by observables of real environment. The statistical properties of the model are examined. The traditional saturation non-linearity of neurons emerges as a natural consequence of signal gating by “synapses”. Different schemes of synaptic modification are indicated.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adrian ED (1932) The mechanism of nervous action. University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia

    Google Scholar 

  • Bullock, TH, Grinnell A, Orkland R (1977) Introduction to nervous systems. Freeman, San Francisco

    Google Scholar 

  • Eccles J (1973) The understanding of the brain. McGraw-Hill, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Feller W (1976) An introduction to probability theory and its applications. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Gaines BR (1969) Stochastic computation systems. In: Tou J (eds) Advances in information systems. Plenum Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Gaines BR (1987) Uncertainty as a foundation of computational power in neural networks. In: Caudill M, Butler C (eds) Proceedings of the 1st International IEEE Conference on Neural Networks, San Diego, Calif

  • Haken H (1988) Private communication

  • Hasenburg KH (1987) Private communication

  • Hebb DO (1949) The organization of behavior. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Hemmerle WJ (1967) Statistical computations on a digital computer. Blaisdell, Waltham, Mass

    Google Scholar 

  • Hopfield JJ (1982) Neural networks and physical systems with emergent collective computational abilities. Proc Natl Acad Sci 79:2554–2558

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewis ER (1983) The elements of single neurons: a review. IEEE Trans SMC- 13:702–710

    Google Scholar 

  • McCulloch WS, Pitts W (1943) A logical calculus of ideas immanent in nervous activity. Bull Math Biophys 5:115–133

    Google Scholar 

  • Massen R (1977) Stochastische Rechentechnik. Hanser, München

    Google Scholar 

  • Omohundro SM (1987) Efficient algorithms with neural network behaviour. Complex Syst 1:273–347

    Google Scholar 

  • Peretto P, Niez J (1986) Stochastic dynamics of neural networks. IEEE TA SMC-16:73–83

    Google Scholar 

  • Ribeiro ST (1967) Random-pulse machines. IEEE TA EC-16:261–276

    Google Scholar 

  • Stein RB (1967) The information capacity of nerve cells using a frequency code, Biophys J 7:797–826

    Google Scholar 

  • Steinbuch K (1960) Die Lernmatrix. Kybernetik 1:36–45

    Google Scholar 

  • Thompson DW (1917) On growth and form. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Von Neumann J (1956) Probabilistic logics and the synthesis of reliable organisms from unreliable elements. In: Shannon CE, McCarthy J (eds) Automata studies. Princeton University Press, Princeton

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Banzhaf, W. On a simple stochastic neuron — Like unit. Biol. Cybern. 60, 153–160 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00202903

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00202903

Keywords

Navigation