Self organizing general pattern class separator and identifier

Abstract

A system is provided for the separation into and the indentification of classes of events wherein each of the events is represented by a signal vector comprising the signals s, s.sub.z . . . , s.sub.j . . . , s.sub.N. The system comprises a plurality of assemblies, each of the assemblies including a matrix of junction elements for respectively receiving as inputs the different respective signals of a vector. The junction elements provide a transfer of information A.sub.ij s,; i.e., the product of the transfer function of the element and the signal input applied thereto. The information transferred by the junction elements is summed in each assembly. In the training mode of operation information summed in each assembly is applied to a scalar multiplier and the resulting information is in turn applied to a threshold stage which is actuated to produce an output if the input applied thereto attains a prescribed value. Concurrently, the summed outputs of the junction elements are fed back to these elements to modify their transfer functions. The outputs of the threshold stages are finally processed for identification of the classes of events.