Evolving neural fields for problems with large input and output spaces

We have developed an extension of the NEAT neuroevolution method, called NEATfields, to solve problems with large input and output spaces. The NEATfields method is a multilevel neuroevolution method using externally specified design patterns. Its networks have three levels of architecture. The highest level is a NEAT-like network of neural fields. The intermediate level is a field of identical subnetworks, called field elements, with a two-dimensional topology. The lowest level is a NEAT-like subnetwork of neurons. The topology and connection weights of these networks are evolved with methods derived from the NEAT method. Evolution is provided with further design patterns to enable information flow between field elements, to dehomogenize neural fields, and to enable detection of local features. We show that the NEATfields method can solve a number of high dimensional pattern recognition and control problems, provide conceptual and empirical comparison with the state of the art HyperNEAT method, and evaluate the benefits of different design patterns.