Neural waves and computation in a neural net model I: Convolutional hierarchies.

The computational resources of a neuromorphic network model introduced earlier are investigated in the context of such hierarchical systems as the mammalian visual cortex. It is argued that a form of ubiquitous spontaneous local convolution, driven by spontaneously arising wave-like activity-which itself promotes local Hebbian modulation-enables logical gate-like neural motifs to form into hierarchical feed-forward structures of the Hubel-Wiesel type. Extra-synaptic effects are shown to play a significant rôle in these processes. The type of logic that emerges is not Boolean, confirming and extending earlier findings on the logic of schizophrenia.