Recurrent neural network as a linear attractor for pattern association.

We propose a linear attractor network based on the observation that similar patterns form a pipeline in the state space, which can be used for pattern association. To model the pipeline in the state space, we present a learning algorithm using a recurrent neural network. A least-squares estimation approach utilizing the interdependency between neurons defines the dynamics of the network. The region of convergence around the line of attraction is defined based on the statistical characteristics of the input patterns. Performance of the learning algorithm is evaluated by conducting several experiments in benchmark problems, and it is observed that the new technique is suitable for multiple-valued pattern association.