ca.nengo.model
Interface Origin

All Superinterfaces:
java.lang.Cloneable, java.io.Serializable
All Known Implementing Classes:
BasicOrigin, BiasOrigin, DecodedOrigin, EnsembleOrigin, NetworkImpl.OriginWrapper, ProbeableOrigin, SpikeGeneratorOrigin

public interface Origin
extends java.io.Serializable, java.lang.Cloneable

An source of information in a circuit model. Origins arise from Ensembles, ExternalInputs, and individual Neurons (although the latter Origins are mainly used internally within Ensembles, ie an Ensemble typically combines Neuron Origins into Ensemble Origins).

An Origin object will often correspond loosely to the anatomical origin of a neural projection in the brain. However, there is not a strict correspondance. In particular, an Origin object may relate specifically to a particular decoding of activity in an Ensemble. For example, suppose a bundle of axons bifurcates and terminates in two places. This would be modelled with two Origin objects if the postsynaptic Ensembles received different functions of the variables represented by the presynaptic Ensemble. So, an Origin is best thought about as a source of information in a certain form, rather than an anatomical source of axons.

Author:
Bryan Tripp

Method Summary
 Origin clone()
           
 int getDimensions()
           
 java.lang.String getName()
           
 Node getNode()
           
 InstantaneousOutput getValues()
           
 

Method Detail

getName

java.lang.String getName()
Returns:
Name of this Origin (unique in the scope of a source of Origins, eg a Neuron or Ensemble)

getDimensions

int getDimensions()
Returns:
Dimensionality of information coming from this Origin (eg number of axons, or dimension of decoded function of variables represented by the Ensemble)

getValues

InstantaneousOutput getValues()
                              throws SimulationException
Returns:
Instantaneous output from this Origin.
Throws:
SimulationException - if there is any problem retrieving values

getNode

Node getNode()
Returns:
The Node to which the Origin belongs

clone

Origin clone()
             throws java.lang.CloneNotSupportedException
Throws:
java.lang.CloneNotSupportedException