Neural Computation by Concentrating Information in Time

An analog model neural network that can solve a general problem of recognizing patterns in a time-dependent signal is presented. The networks use a patterned set of delays to collectively focus stimulus sequence information to a neural state at a future time. The computational capabilities of the circuit are demonstrated on tasks somewhat similar to those necessary for the recognition of words in a continuous stream of speech. The network architecture can be understood from consideration of an energy function that is being minimized as the circuit computes. Neurobiological mechanisms are known for the generation of appropriate delays