# Chamber geometry and specification numbers of Boolean threshold functions

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2606.29477 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2606.29477/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 0 of its 50 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 28 Jun 2026.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Boolean threshold functions, neuron capacity, and memory retrieval](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2609.29756/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The specification number σn(f) of a Boolean threshold function f on n variables is the least number of points whose f-values determine f uniquely among all threshold functions. Its essential points form the unique minimum such set. We develop Zuev's geometric interpretation: the threshold functions are the chambers of a central hyperplane arrangement in the (n+1)-dimensional space of weights and thresholds, and the essential points of a function correspond exactly to the facets of its chamber, so the specification number is the chamber's facet number. The lower bound σn(f)≥ n+1 becomes the fact that a pointed full-dimensional cone has at least n+1 facets, with equality for simplicial chambers. The average specification number overlineσn becomes an average facet count. We evaluate this average exactly via the resonance arrangement and bound it through a theorem of Fukuda, Tamura, and Tokuyama, obtaining overlineσn≤ 2n; hence overlineσn=Theta(n). This settles a question of Gutekunst, M'esz'aros, and Petersen. The method also extends to polynomial threshold functions. The same geometry links threshold functions with a threshold zonotope, whose vertices are modified Chow vectors. Its one-skeleton is the one-inclusion graph, and a vertex's degree is the specification number of that function. Finally, we treat the operations of Lozin et al. on functions of minimum specification number. Adding a variable and extending on a variable both take the product of a chamber closure with a half-line, preserving simpliciality. For the symmetric-variables extension we give an exact thresholdness criterion and show that minimum specification number is preserved whenever the extension is a threshold function. We also resolve a question they pose concerning a fourth operation.