Threshold node
A threshold node is a node with an integral threshold representing the number of incoming lines that must be active for the node's threshold to be satisfied. E.g., The OR node may be analyzed as a threshold node with a threshold of one; the AND node may be analyzed as a threshold node with a threshold equal to the number of incoming lines. But a node with three or more incoming lines may also have a threshold of intermediate value; for example, a node with three incoming lines and a threshold of 2 will be satisfied if any two of the incoming lines are active. Conceptual structures evidently make extensive use of threshold nodes with multiple connecting lines.
In defining the threshold node, we find that we can derive AND and OR as special cases. But most nodes are of an intermediate type.
In Compact vs. Narrow Notation
- In compact notation a node is either satisfied or not by incoming activation (hence the thresholds of compact notation have integral values).
- In narrow notation, a node may be satisfied to varying degrees.
Sources
- LangBrain.
- Lamb, Sydney M.. 2004. Language and Reality: Selected Writings of Sydney Lamb. London: Continuum.
