Abstract: An active memory 14 is provided which includes a data memory 20 including rows and columns of storage locations for holding data. A broadcast memory 22 is provided which includes rows and columns of storage locations for holding control instructions. Search circuitry 26, 52 is provided which is operable to receive at least one word of data from data memory 20 and test the word against a preselected search test condition. Control circuitry 24 is operable in response to control instructions received from the broadcast memory 22 to control the transfer of the word of data from the data memory 20 to the search circuitry 26, 52 and the test of the word by the search circuitry 26, 52.

Abstract: Speech recognition is improved using prestored words and prestored sentences which provide grammar or context rules. Multiple word hypotheses and plural sentence hypotheses are used.A speech recognition system uses a word hypothesizer to generate hypothesized words for a sentence recognizer. The sentence recognizer receives information containing the hypothesized word and its beginning and end points. The sentence recognizer compares each incoming hypothesis with words allowed by a grammar, and generates a partial or complete sentence hypothesis for each state in which the hypothesis is allowed by the grammar. A dynamic programming technique using backpointer is used to retain all currently valid partial and complete sentence hypotheses. When a complete sentence satisfies suitable criteria, it is output as a recognized sentence. Gaps and overlaps between hypothesized words are used in calculation of a sentence error for each partial and complete sentence hypothesis.

Abstract: An electronic learning aid for interactive operation with an operator with capabilities for the synthesis of a tone or sequence of tones. The tone, in the alternative, is used to either prompt the operator to respond in like fashion or is in response to the operator's input of a tone or sequence of tones. In this fashion the learning aid selects a tune to be synthesized and communicates this tonal sequence to the operator who responds by attempting to mimic the sequence. An alternate operation of the learning aid is for the operator to audibly input a tone sequence and for the electronic learning aid to attempt to mimic the sequence of tones.

Abstract: An electronic learning aid in which the student supplies a problem to which the learning aid supplies a response. The response of the learning aid is sometimes correct and at other times incorrect, thus requiring the operator/student to respond as an educator of the learning aid. This educating of the learning aid by the student requires the ability to recognize the correct answer. Preferably, if the student recognizes the correct response, praise is given; otherwise, either the problem is explained to the student or the learning aid ventures another guess. This "educating" of the learning aid through the posing of problems from the operator allows the student to proceed at his own pace and yet tries the limits of his knowledge.