Application of a Brain-Inspired Spiking Neural Network Architecture to Odor Data Classification

Existing methods in neuromorphic olfaction mainly focus on implementing the data transformation based on the neurobiological architecture of the olfactory pathway. While the transformation is pivotal for the sparse spike-based representation of odor data, classification techniques based on the bio-computations of the higher brain areas, which process the spiking data for identification of odor, remain largely unexplored. This paper argues that brain-inspired spiking neural networks constitute a promising approach for the next generation of machine intelligence for odor data processing. Inspired by principles of brain information processing, here we propose the first spiking neural network method and associated deep machine learning system for classification of odor data. The paper demonstrates that the proposed approach has several advantages when compared to the current state-of-the-art methods. Based on results obtained using a benchmark dataset, the model achieved a high classification accuracy for a large number of odors and has the capacity for incremental learning on new data. The paper explores different spike encoding algorithms and finds that the most suitable for the task is the step-wise encoding function. Further directions in the brain-inspired study of odor machine classification include investigation of more biologically plausible algorithms for mapping, learning, and interpretation of odor data along with the realization of these algorithms on some highly parallel and low power consuming neuromorphic hardware devices for real-world applications

Hazardous Odor Recognition by CMAC Based Neural Networks

Electronic noses are being developed as systems for the automated detection and classification of odors, vapors, and gases. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been used to analyze complex data and to recognize patterns, and have shown promising results in recognition of volatile compounds and odors in electronic nose applications. When an ANN is combined with a sensor array, the number of detectable chemicals is generally greater than the number of unique sensor types. The odor sensing system should be extended to new areas since its standard style where the output pattern from multiple sensors with partially overlapped specificity is recognized by a neural network or multivariate analysis. This paper describes the design, implementation and performance evaluations of the application developed for hazardous odor recognition using Cerebellar Model Articulation Controller (CMAC) based neural networks

Relation Structure moléculaire - Odeur Utilisation des Réseaux de Neurones pour l’estimation de l’Odeur Balsamique

Les molécules odorantes (parfums ou flaveurs) sont utilisées dans une grande variété de produits de consommation, pour inciter les consommateurs à associer les impressions favorables à un produit donné. La Relation Structure moléculaire-Odeur (SOR) est cruciale pour la synthèse de ces molécules mais est très difficile à établir due à la subjectivité de l’odeur. Ce travail présente une approche de prédiction de l'odeur des molécules basée sur les descripteurs moléculaires. Les techniques d’analyse en composantes principales (PCA) et de d’analyse de colinéarité permettent d’identifier les descripteurs les plus pertinents. un réseau de neurones supervisé5 à deux couches (cachée et sortie) est employé pour corréler la structure moléculaire à l’odeur. La base de données décrite précédemment est utilisée pour l’apprentissage. Un ensemble de paramètres est modifié jusqu’à la satisfaction de la meilleure régression. Les résultats obtenus sont encouragent, ainsi les descripteurs moléculaires convenables corrèlent efficacement l'odeur des molécules. C’est la première étape d’un modèle générique en développement pour corréler l'odeur avec les structures moléculaire

Fast and robust learning by reinforcement signals: explorations in the insect brain

We propose a model for pattern recognition in the insect brain. Departing from a well-known body of knowledge about the insect brain, we investigate which of the potentially present features may be useful to learn input patterns rapidly and in a stable manner. The plasticity underlying pattern recognition is situated in the insect mushroom bodies and requires an error signal to associate the stimulus with a proper response. As a proof of concept, we used our model insect brain to classify the well-known MNIST database of handwritten digits, a popular benchmark for classifiers. We show that the structural organization of the insect brain appears to be suitable for both fast learning of new stimuli and reasonable performance in stationary conditions. Furthermore, it is extremely robust to damage to the brain structures involved in sensory processing. Finally, we suggest that spatiotemporal dynamics can improve the level of confidence in a classification decision. The proposed approach allows testing the effect of hypothesized mechanisms rather than speculating on their benefit for system performance or confidence in its responses

Self-organization in the olfactory system: one shot odor recognition in insects

We show in a model of spiking neurons that synaptic plasticity in the mushroom bodies in combination with the general fan-in, fan-out properties of the early processing layers of the olfactory system might be sufficient to account for its efficient recognition of odors. For a large variety of initial conditions the model system consistently finds a working solution without any fine-tuning, and is, therefore, inherently robust. We demonstrate that gain control through the known feedforward inhibition of lateral horn interneurons increases the capacity of the system but is not essential for its general function. We also predict an upper limit for the number of odor classes Drosophila can discriminate based on the number and connectivity of its olfactory neurons