A neural network model of harmonic detection

Harmonic detection theories postulate that a virtual pitch is perceived when a sufficient number of harmonics is present. The harmonics need not be consecutive, but higher harmonics contribute less than lower harmonics [J. Raatgever and F. A. Bilsen, in Auditory Physiology and Perception, edited by Y. Cazals, K. Horner, and L. Demany (Pergamon, Oxford, 1992), pp. 215–222; M. K. McBeath and J. F. Wayand, Abstracts of the Psychonom. Soc. 3, 55 (1998)]. A neural network model is presented that has the potential to simulate this operation. Harmonics are first passed through a bank of rounded exponential filters with lateral inhibition. The results are used as inputs for an autoassociator neural network. The model is trained using harmonic data for symphonic musical instruments, in order to test whether it can self‐organize by learning associations between co‐occurring harmonics. It is shown that the trained model can complete the pattern for missing‐fundamental sounds. The Performance of the model in harmonic detection will be compared with experimental results for humans.