Output Function

CSGnet Archive CSG2011
1

( Gavin
Ritz 2011.05.11.11.06NZT)

What are all the key elements
of an output function I can find only two?

·
muscular contraction (this includes all muscular
action like dancing, running, shouting, writing, drinking, eating etc)

·
Thought?

Are there any others?

2

[Richard Pfau 2011.5.18.7:58EDST]

(Ref: Gavin Ritz 2011.05.11.11.06NZT)

Besides muscular contraction, external output functions for some organisms may include,

  • production of pheromones

  • electrical impulses

  • blushing (althought this output seems related to smooth muscle actions)

With Regards,

Richard Pfau

3

Thanks

···

-----Original Message-----
From: Control Systems Group
Network (CSGnet) [mailto:CSGNET@LISTSERV.ILLINOIS.EDU] On Behalf Of Richard H. Pfau
Sent: Thursday, 19 May 2011 11:59
a.m.
To: CSGNET@LISTSERV.ILLINOIS.EDU
Subject: Re: Output Function

[Richard Pfau
2011.5.18.7:58EDST]

(Ref: Gavin Ritz 2011.05.11.11.06NZT)

Besides muscular contraction, external output functions for
some organisms may include,

·
production of
pheromones

·
electrical
impulses

·
blushing
(althought this output seems related to smooth muscle actions)

With Regards,

Richard Pfau

4

[From Rick Marken (2011.05.19.0900)]

Richard Pfau (2011.5.18.7:58EDST)--

�Besides muscular contraction, external output functions for some organisms
may�include,

production of pheromones
electrical impulses
blushing (althought this output seems related to smooth muscle actions)

I think what you have listed here are possible output _variables_, not
functions. A function maps one or more variables (x) into another
variable(y): y = f(x1,x2...xn). In PCT an output function, f(), is
typically one that transforms variations in neural "currents" (firing
rates), the x variable(s), into variations in muscle contraction
and/or the results of these contractions (such as forces exerted on
the environment or even the result of those forces, like mouse
movements), the y variable. To the extent that neural currents
influence production of chemicals like pheromones then an output
function would be a function that transforms neural firing rate (x)
into levels of pheromone (y).

Best

Rick

···

--
Richard S. Marken PhD
rsmarken@gmail.com
www.mindreadings.com