Abstract: The present invention provides a system for learning from and responding to regularly arriving information at once by quickly combining prior information with concurrent trial information to produce useful learned information. A parallel embodiment of the system performs can perform updating operations for memory elements of matrix through the coordinated use of parallel feature processors and a joint access memory, which contains weighted values and provision for connecting feature processors pairwise. The parallel version also performs feature function monitoring, interpretation and refinement operations promptly and in concert with concurrent operation. A non-parallel embodiment of the system uses a single processor to perform the above operations however, more slowly than the parallel embodiment, yet faster than available alternatives.

Abstract: Volume rendering lighting using dot product methodology is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a computer includes a processor, a computer-readable medium and a computer program. The medium stores first data representing a set of voxel data representing an object, each voxel datum having a gradient that is desirably either positive or negative, and second data representing a light source having a directional vector. The computer program is executed by the processor from the medium, and displays the set of the voxel data, including illuminating each voxel datum using a dot product of the gradient of the voxel datum with the directional vector of the light source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a series tuned resonant autotransformer which passes baseband video signals so that more than one non-synchronized channel can be sent over unshielded twisted pair wires sharing a common cable sheath. The transformer includes a trifilar winding configuration with a capacitor, resistor and ground connection coupled between the two secondary windings. The transformer is able to pass a DC signal as well as a balanced output signal over most of the video bandwidth.

Abstract: A full-bridge transistor inverter is connected at its DC supply-side with an energy-storing capacitor. The inverter's output terminals are connected in series between a source of AC voltage and a load; which load may be an electric motor, a fluorescent lighting system, etc. By controllably switching the transistors of the inverter ON and OFF in synchronism with the frequency of the AC voltage, effective control of the flow of power between the AC source and the load is achieved. DC voltage on the energy-storing capacitor is obtained from the AC source by way of the timing of the switching action of the inverter.Hence, in contrast with the ordinary situation where an inverter is supplied with net power from its source of DC voltage and where this net power is then supplied to a load connected with the inverter's output, the present invention relates to a situation where no net power is supplied to the inverter from its source of DC voltage and where no net power is supplied from the inverter's output.

Abstract: Video effects apparatus comprises a pattern generator for generating a mix control signal which, when used to control the combination of first and second input video signals to provide an output video signal, defines the geometrical shape in a composite output scene of a transition between a first component scene represented by the first input video signal and a second component scene represented by the second video signal. The pattern generator responds to a size control signal by causing the mix control signal to vary in a manner such that the area of the composite output video scene that is occupied by the first component scene changes relative to the area of the second component scene while the geometrical shape of the transition between the component scenes remains the same. A shadow generator generates a signal which adjusts the visual characteristics of the second component scene synchronously with the variation of the control signal.