We anticipate that work on the primary visual cortex will provide insight into how many areas function. Other biologically-oriented studies have included that of M. Ebdon , supervised by Dr. Lutz, who has proposed a general theory of perceptual processing in the superficial layers of the cerebral neocortex, and that of D. Cliff who modelled visual processing and behaviour in the hoverfly. D. Young has interests in the applications of neural networks to low-level visual processing, particularly the acquisition and analysis of optic flow information. Under his supervision, H. Tunley developed a novel network architecture for the detection of visual motion, including second-order motion. P. Costa , is exploring the evolutionary development of neural network controllers for simulated robots which support communication and co-operation in groups.
Research is also in progress into various aspects of connectionism and cognitive modelling.
R. Dallaway developed a model of long multiplication, involving both rote-learned multiplication tables and a sequential controller to carry out the long multiplication algorithm. The model displays interesting similarities to human performance. O. Coelho is investigating the interpretation of natural language commands by a network during an assembly task. O. Carpinteiro is investigating the recognition of the subject in Bach fugues and inventions. A range of practical applications of neural network techniques are being explored.