=
=
=
=
Each of
the level-1-output computers gets instructions from a higher level
(level-2-output) computer at something like 170 msec intervals (ten times as
slow, or 6 per second). In my
model, the level-1-output computer does not have to worry about direction
changes in joint rotations but only about the rate of change in the joint
angles. The level-2-output co=
mputer
produces as output these detailed instructions between changes in the direc=
tion
of rotation of each plane of rotation of each joint. I picked the 10 to one ratio becau=
se the
rate of 6 per second roughly corresponds to direction changes in joints in =
fast
running. Also, 10 to 1 is a
convenient ratio to help me simplify the model.
=
=
The
instructions sent from the level-2-output computer to the level-1-output
computer are about the rate of change in rotation of a specific joint. Instructions have to be sent for s=
uch
changes for each plane of rotation for each joint. Even joints not directly involved =
in the
current action have to be told what to do.
=
=
Continuing
with this approach, I propose a level-3-output computer that produces detai=
led
instructions at 2 second intervals that become input to the level-2-output
computers. A level-4-output
computer can produce more general instructions at 20 second intervals that
provide the input to the level-3-output computers. Extending the model we would specul=
ate
that a level-4-output computer could handle 3 minute instructions as input.=
=
=
This
approach of layering the computers and the instructions allows me to separa=
te
the problems that have to be solved.
Level-1-output computers are likely ‘on’ all the time, s=
ince
muscles are not ‘shut off’ until they are needed. They maybe relaxed, but there is s=
till
some neural signals going to them.
Even in sleep, this neural activity continues, i.e. signals are
generated from level-1-output computers.
=
=
=
Level-1-output
and level-2-output computers are likely focused on geometry problems. For instance, the lower arm needs =
to
know how much and at what rate to rotate through the elbow. This can be complicated since the =
upper
arm may be moving as well. Yo=
u can
observe your elbow at work when you hold a full cup straight ahead of you, =
with
the upper arm level with the floor.
Now move the upper and lower arms so that the elbow is well behind y=
ou
and the cup is right against your side.&nb=
sp;
I expect you can do that without spilling a drop. You and I both could not solve the
geometry problems involved in this simple task, but some information proces=
sing
inside the body does it for us. In
my simplified model, that is the job of the computers at level-1-output and
level-2-output.
=
=
=
Let us
imagine that I have decided to walk over to a chair and sit down. That involves both legs with rotat=
ion at
the knees and at the hip. More
detailed analysis would show that there are also motions at the ankles and =
with
the upper body. Coordinating =
and
synchronizing all this activity is the job of computers at level-3-output a=
nd
level-4-output.