Natural evolution of neural support vector machines.

Two different neural implementations of support vector machines are described and applied to one-shot trainable pattern recognition. The first model is based on oscillating associative memory and is mapped to the olfactory system. The second model is founded on competitive queuing memory originally employed for generating motor action sequences in the brain. Both models include forward pathways where a stream of support vectors is evoked from memory and merges with sensory input to produce support vector machine classifications. Misclassified events are imprinted as new support vector candidates. Support vector machine weights are tuned by virtual experimentation in sleep. Recalled training examples masquerade as sensor input and feedback from the classification process drives a learning process where support vector weights are optimized. For both support vector machine models it is demonstrated that there is a plausible evolutionary path from a simple hard-wired pattern recognizer to a full implementation of a biological kernel machine. Simple and individually beneficial modifications are accumulated in each step along this path. Neural support vector machines can apparently emerge by natural processes.