Many familiar neural network learning algorithms, including
correlational (Hebbian) and back-propagation learning, are
easily transferred to the field computation framework.
For example, Hebbian learning rules can be described in terms
of an outer product of fields,
:
[ ()_xy = _x _y . ]
(Notice that if
is a field over
and
is a
field over
, then
is a field over
.)
For example, simple correlational strengthening of an
interconnection kernel K resulting from pre- and
post-synaptic activity fields
and
is given by
,
where r is the rate.
Such a process might occur through long-term potentiation
(LTP).
Recent studies
(surveyed in Singer 1995)
indicate that moderately weak positive correlations cause
synaptic efficacy to be weakened through
long-term depression (LTD),
while very weak connections have no effect on efficacy.
For (biologically realistic) non-negative activity fields,
the change in the interconnection matrix is given by
, where the
upsilon function is defined:
[ (x) =
;(x-
)
- ;(x-) + 12 .]
When
,
and LTP results, but as
x drops below
,
becomes negative,
achieving its minimum at
; further decreases of x
cause
to approach 0.
(The slopes in the LTP and LTD regions are determined by
and
.)