Neuron architecture having a dual structure and neural networks incorporating the same

Abstract

The improved neuron is connected to input buses which transport input data and control signals. It basically consists of a computation block, a register block, an evaluation block and a daisy chain block. All these blocks, except the computation block substantially have a symmetric construction. Registers are used to store data: the local norm and context, the distance, the AIF value and the category. The improved neuron further needs some R/W memory capacity which may be placed either in the neuron or outside. The evaluation circuit is connected to an output bus to generate global signals thereon. The daisy chain block allows to chain the improved neuron with others to form an artificial neural network (ANN). The improved neuron may work either as a single neuron (single mode) or as two independent neurons (dual mode). In the latter case, the computation block, which is common to the two dual neurons, must operate sequentially to service one neuron after the other. The selection between the two modes (single/dual) is made by the user which stores a specific logic value in a dedicated register of the control logic circuitry in each improved neuron.