Abstract: A network-based intelligent information-sourcing system has capabilities akin to an automated universal teacher, researcher, or expert, in that the system is able to interpret, both independently and in context, and provide comprehensive answers to received queries on substantially any subject. This capability is achieved by enhancing existing telecommunications networks and intelligent networks to incorporate a knowledge-processing capability. This network uses the communication capability of the network to collect queries from, e.g., students in an interactive mode, then passes the question to a "knowledge ring" which comprises numerous knowledge bases arranged hierarchically, and then sends the response back from an "artificially intelligent instructor". Once the query is understood, the system restates the question back to the student in the way the particular knowledge base is integrated, Upon confirmation, the system delivers the response back to the student.

Abstract: The present invention is a knowledge machine method and apparatus for processing information and evolving knowledge. The apparatus includes at least one processor; a knowledge machine including a main memory operatively connected to the processor(s), and a plurality of knowledge machine hardware modules at least indirectly connected to the main memory. The modules include a communication module, a switching module, an administrative module and at least one knowledge base module.

Abstract: Methodology, and associated circuitry, for encoding and decoding data words to provide burst error correction capability are disclosed.Encoder (14): partitions the data words into a plurality of subrate streams; individually codes these streams utilizing a block coding technique; and then recollates the coded streams as well as the associated parity words in an interleaved order to produce the encoder output.Decoder (20): partitions the received words into a corresponding plurality of subrate received streams; individually computes the syndrome as well as shifted and divided versions of the syndrome for each received stream; after each shift and divide, compares the partial remainder with the applicable code characteristic polynomial; and corrects the applicable bit in the corresponding received subrate stream whenever the comparison indicates an error has occurred.

Abstract: Minimal delay rate-change circuits for transmitting data samples partitioned into blocks comprise an arrangement of storage devices (101 through 105) between input (100) and output (600) with individual storage lengths increasing according to a geometric progression; storage means (106) arranged between input and output to store all but one of the remaining samples unallocated to the storage devices; input clocking means (201 through 207) to route input samples to appropriate storage devices or means; and output clocking means (501 through 507) to gate the accumulated samples to the output. The topological arrangement relies on the ability of a storage device to shift out while the next lower size storage device is being loaded.

Abstract: Means for serially encoding and decoding cyclic block codes having minimal parity check bits and single error correcting capability are disclosed.Encoder (12) comprises: serial shift and divide means (4100, 4150, 4200, SA, S3, S4 and S5) for generating parity check bits to append to the data word and thereby form the channel word; input buffer (4300) for storing bits of the next channel word during evaluation of the parity bits of the previous word; and output buffer registers (4400 through 4800) for storing bits of the channel word for eventual transmission. Certain registers (4400 through 4800) are partitioned into a parallel arrangement of register segments of predetermined lengths so as to effect full loading of each segmented register prior to the request for transmission from each register.

Abstract: Conventional delta modulation techniques ignore information contained in the input signal which may be used advantageously in the encoding process. Improved delta modulation methods are disclosed which reduce bit rate and enhance error performance by partitioning the input signal into variable-length segments determined by preselected characteristics of the signal. Within each segment, iterative encoding is employed to develop the bit stream representing the encoded input signal. One particular partitioning method employs positive and negative signal peaks to establish segment boundaries and the encoding process is aided by the gradient of the signal within each segment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for encoding speech with correct encoding of silence periods. In the disclosed apparatus, the speech signal is processed in contiguous blocks, and each block is tested, by evaluating a window of blocks in the neighborhood of the tested block, to determine whether the tested block represents a silence interval. When it is determined that a processed block represents silence, the processed block is forced to encode as a perfect silence. This forcing is accomplished by substituting the encoded block with a preselected silence sequence of alternating "1" and "0" strings.