Abstract: Preferred embodiments include encoders and encoding methods for encoding integers as sparse binary vectors as used in neural networks. The encoding is by position of nonzero components; such as for N component vectors, the integer n is represented by a sequence of n components equal to zero followed by a sequence of log.sub.2 N components equal to one and then a sequence of N-n-log.sub.2 N components equal to zero. Other preferred embodiments include permutations of vector components while retaining the same number of nonzero components and also with partitioning into more and less significant subvectors.

Abstract: Neural network systems (100) with learning and recall are applied to clustered multiple-featured data (122,124,126) and analog data.

Abstract: Neural network systems (100) with learning and recall are applied to clustered multiple-featured data (122, 124, 126) and analog data.

Abstract: A visual display and method for producing the same. A plurality of electro-optic cells, such as liquid crystal cells, are placed in an optical series. Each of the cells receives approximately simultaneous identical signals. Due to the series relationship, the resulting contrast ratio will be significantly improved. The transmission function acting on the entering light will be squared after the second electro-optic cell, cubed after the third cell, etc. The enhanced transmission function has a vastly improved rise after the threshold voltage, i.e. greater nonlinearity allowing for greater multiplexing capability. Plastic LCDs are preferably used, and their very small thickness avoids parallax effects.

Abstract: A light modulating device such as a liquid crystal display or polarizer is fabricated using optically biaxial plastic material as a substrate. The plastic biaxial material replaces the glass substrate of the LCD, or the cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) of the polarizer. The biaxial material is a type of stretched plastic, which is more flexible than glass, and much thinner in typical display applications. Typical plastic biaxial materials are chemically stable with liquid crystals and much more stable than isotropic plastics (CAB). The material is optically anistropic, but optical axes of the material are chosen to be outside the field of view over which the device will be observed.

Abstract: To avoid obtrusive interference colors in a liquid crystal device having birefringent substrates, the two substrates are selected to be of markedly unequal thicknesses.

Abstract: The access hole for filling the liquid crystal cavity in an LCD having plastic front and rear members is sealed by welding the two members together. Pressure is applied during the weld to insure a good joint. The welding process avoids problems of non-adhesion or poor adhesion associated with the use of epoxy, especially the type of epoxy used for sealing glass LCDs.

Abstract: To increase the perimeter seal strength of plastic LCDs, reinforcement holes are formed in the plastic substrate at the maximum stress points. These holes, which are not in contact with any active area of the device, are filled with glue, so that each pair of holes in the upper and lower substrates forms a tensile connection which directly links the two substrates together at the maximum stress points.

Abstract: Method of fabricating a display with silicon integrated circuits included on the same monolithic structure and the flat panel display produced thereby. The display which may be of the liquid crystal or electrochromic type, for example, is formed as an x-y matrix display having individual address transistors respectively asociated with each of the display units or pixels. The substrate is preferably of transparent material, such as quartz or a glass plate, on which a polysilicon layer is disposed. The polysilicon layer is patterned to provide a plurality of islands which are subjected to a laser annealing treatment at an intensity sufficient to cause recrystallization thereof. The polysilicon material in the islands is converted by the laser annealing to crystalline silicon having an enhanced electron mobility characteristic such that a matrix array of address transistors in the form of MOSFETS can be fabricated in the individual islands.

Abstract: A visual display and method for producing the same. A plurality of electro-optic cells, such as liquid crystal cells, are placed in an optical series. Each of the cells receives approximately simultaneous identical signals. Due to the series relationship, the resulting contrast ratio will be significantly improved. The transmission function acting on the entering light will be squared after the second electro-optic cell, cubed after the third cell, etc. The enhanced transmission function has a vastly improved rise after the threshold voltage allowing for greater multiplexing capability.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device may be used as a device for receiving data from a human operator, that is, an LCD device may be used as a keyboard for receiving data from a human operator. The LCD device preferably has a rear substrate, a transparent front plate, a plurality of segments formed on the substrate and on the plate, liquid crystal material disposed between the cover and the substrate and the plate, and means for sealing the liquid crystal material between the substrate and the plate. The front plate material, which may be glass, plastic or other transparent materials, has sufficient flexibility to deflect toward the substrate in response to the application of pressure by the human operator. The application of pressure occurs, for instance, when the human operator depresses selected areas of the LCD device in much the same manner as when a human operator applies pressure to a keyboard to input information.

Abstract: Improved timekeeping apparatus, such as a watch or clock with an electro-optic display simulating a conventional mechanical analog timepiece. Electro-optical material, e.g., liquid crystal material, is activated in selected areas to change its appearance to simulate movement of the hands.