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Human brains emulated in the computer world
27 November 2009
Luleå University of Technology
Researchers at Luleå University of Technology have created a computer-based architecture that mimics a pair of human brain functions. System that detects and compensates for their own shortcomings is a possible application, another is to reduce the impact of noise. The research takes a significant step forward because the research group has recently doubled.
- We have developed a model of how the various sources of information that complement each other, can get a better idea of what is happening. Better to the extent that we may see more than what the different parts look, "says Tamas Jantvik researcher at Luleå University of Technology.
The architecture that the researchers at LTU has built, broadly consists of three modules representing different senses. With one, a part of the brain that deals with visual information is modelled, with another, a part which deals with auditory information is modelled and with the help of the third a fusion of the first two is modelled. The plan is to use results from tests of how the brain combines information such as sight and hearing and use them in engineering applications.
- We have a model, that in important respects, has the same behaviour that is measured by researchers that are investigating the nervous system, said Tamas Jantvik.
One important result of the research is the qualitative improvement that can be done in a sensory impression at the input of an additional signal through a different sensory. An example of this is what happens in an opera, when the libretto is displayed on a sign above the stage. It is not only that one better understand what opera is all about, you actually hear better what is sung. Some applications of research that may be used, is to reduce noise that interferes with various kinds of signals and systems that automatically adjust their information processing, using the complementary information. We want, like the same manner as is done in biology, let the system it self understand what information is best. If you have multiple sources of information, and some do not work so well or is broken, then the system will continue to function because it can detect that the information from a particular source is bad.
- An example is when it turns lock in your ears, than we human beings notice that something is “weird”. There are systems that are designed to detect when a sensor is faulty, but they do not solve the problem the same way that biology does, and it remains to see which method is best, said Tamas Jantvik.