Subject: real-time information From: Ramdas Kumaresan <kumar(at)ELE.URI.EDU> Date: Wed, 7 Mar 2001 14:16:09 -0500Dear Eckard and others, Eckard Blumschein wrote: >Presumably, the signal is not simply transformed at all, but more relevant >data, i.e. more recent ones, are gradually preselected. Also, the whole >signal is prepared for more robustness. In terms of information theory, >cochlea might even be interpreted as an adapter to a slower sampled >information channel with nonetheless larger capacity. The key functional >element is a continuously distributed memory with permanent partial renewal >over the whole partition and also permanent gradual forgetting. Notice, I >am using terms like partition and renewal in common, not in mathematical >sense. I agree with the general tone of your postings. I have expressed similar sentiments in my original posting (analog delay line vs 'continuously distributed memory'). However, IMO, 'the signal is not simply transformed at all' is not true. After all the cochlea does have resonant structures and hence does some form of filtering (which is convolution with damped sinewaves, i.e. a form of weighted Fourier transform.) I would like to fall into your third category. Cheers R.K