Lernmatrix (German for "learning matrix") is a special type of
artificial neural network
In machine learning, a neural network (also artificial neural network or neural net, abbreviated ANN or NN) is a computational model inspired by the structure and functions of biological neural networks.
A neural network consists of connected ...
(ANN) architecture, similar to
associative memory, invented around 1960 by
Karl Steinbuch, a pioneer in
computer science
Computer science is the study of computation, information, and automation. Computer science spans Theoretical computer science, theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, and information theory) to Applied science, ...
and ANNs.
This model for learning systems could establish complex associations between certain sets of characteristics (e.g., letters of an alphabet) and their meanings.
Function
The Lernmatrix generally consists of n "characteristic lines" and m "meaning lines," where each characteristic line is connected to each meaning line, similar to how
neurons
A neuron (American English), neurone (British English), or nerve cell, is an membrane potential#Cell excitability, excitable cell (biology), cell that fires electric signals called action potentials across a neural network (biology), neural net ...
in the
brain
The brain is an organ (biology), organ that serves as the center of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals. It consists of nervous tissue and is typically located in the head (cephalization), usually near organs for ...
are connected by
synapses
In the nervous system, a synapse is a structure that allows a neuron (or nerve cell) to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron or a target effector cell. Synapses can be classified as either chemical or electrical, depending o ...
. (This can be realized in various ways – according to Steinbuch, this could be done by hardware or software).
To train a Lernmatrix, values are specified on the corresponding characteristic and meaning lines (binary or real); then the connections between all pairs of characteristic and meaning lines are strengthened by the
Hebb rule. A trained Lernmatrix, when given a specific input on the characteristic lines, activates the corresponding meaning lines. In modern language, it is a linear projection module.
By appropriately interconnecting several Lernmatrices, a switching system can be built that, after completing certain training phases, is ultimately able to automatically determine the most probable associated meaning for an input sequence of features.
''Karl Steinbuch – Informatiker der ersten Stunde''
at edoc.hu-berlin.de, accessed on March 1, 2015.
See also
* Artificial neural networks
In machine learning, a neural network (also artificial neural network or neural net, abbreviated ANN or NN) is a computational model inspired by the structure and functions of biological neural networks.
A neural network consists of connected ...
External links
A new theoretical framework for the Steinbuch's Lernmatrix
Pattern recognition and classification using weightless neural networks (WNN) and Steinbuch Lernmatrix
Discussion in the newsgroup de.sci.informatik.ki
Wolfgang Hilberg: "Karl Steinbuch, ein zu Unrecht vergessener Pionier der künstlichen neuronalen Systeme", Communication from the Institute for Data Technology at the Technical University of Darmstadt, 1995, PDF file (size approx. 4 MB)
accessed on June 17, 2017
Further reading
* Karl Steinbuch: ''Automat und Mensch.'' 1st ed. Springer 1961.
References
{{Reflist
Artificial neural networks
Neuroinformatics