Nonlinear transient computation

A novel transient computation device is presented which performs computations on time-varying input signals. The inputs perturb the device causing transients in its internal dynamics. These transients are characteristic of the inputs and are reflected in the device's output. Previous approaches to transient computation have used large reservoirs of neurons. The proposed device consists of only two neurons with nonlinear internal dynamics. Experimental evidence is given to demonstrate that this device possesses two properties required for performing computations on time-dependent signals: a separation and an approximation property. It is also shown that this device can perform noise resistant pattern recognition.