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The interconnectedness of neurons in
the human brain was the model in developing an advanced computer
processor that can perform up to a billion computations per second.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts from NASA
and other government agencies went into the development of a
unique computer technology that "learns" as it goes.
This technology is known as neural networking. A neural network
is a class of computational methods that loosely imitate the
function of the brain. Among the benefits of neural networks
are their ability to learn from experience and to generalize
from their data set. They are also fault tolerant and can exploit
parallel systems for rapid processing.
By combining the funding from these SBIR contracts, Accurate
Automation Corporation (AAC) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, developed
the only Multiple-Instruction/Multiple-Data (MIMD) neural network
processor on the market. The product is called the NNP®
and is utilized in a number of computational applications.
The NNP® is used onboard the NASA- and U.S.
Air Force-sponsored LoFLYTE® aircraft. LoFLYTE®
has been built by AAC to demonstrate a computerized flight control
system that learns as it fliesespecially important for the demands
of ultra high-speed flight. LoFLYTE® is being
used to explore new flight control techniques involving neural
networks, which are able to continually alter the aircraft's
control laws in order to optimize flight performance and take
a pilot's responses into consideration.
Over time, the neural network system could be trained to control
the aircraft. The use of neural networks in flight would help
pilots of future aircraft fly in quick-decision situations and
help damaged aircraft land safely, even when the controls are
partially disabled.
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| Accurate
Automation Corporation's neural processor, the NNP®,
was developed using the interconnectedness of the human brain
as a model. |
The NNP® consists of many interconnected control
systems, or nodes, similar to neurons in the brain. Each node
assigns a value to the input from each of its counterparts. As
these values are changed, the network can adjust the way it responds.
The NNP®'s extensive layers of nodes allow for
high-speed parallel processing. The device is capable of implementing
multiple neural network algorithms and paradigms. The NNP®
comes in a number of versions, accommodating different computer
platforms. The processors are used in many commercial and non-commercial
problem-solving applications, including flight controllers, financial
predictions, intelligent modems, medical image classification,
on-line learning, robot control, satellite communications, and
fault diagnosis and prediction.
An interesting example of how the NNP® functions
is demonstrated by the LoFLYTE® aircraft. During
normal flight, the neural controller will use the data it receives
from the telemetry system to compute the most efficient flight
characteristics and adjust the control surfaces accordingly.
However, the neural control system has an enormous advantage
over traditional control systems during abnormal and unexpected
flight conditions. For example, if the control system determines
that the rudder is not responding, it will adjust quickly and
automatically to control the aircraft using the remaining flight
surfaces. Neural network control is necessary in hypersonic vehicles,
such as LoFLYTE®, where the center of gravity
of the vehicle can change significantly throughout the flight.
The neural network can adjust to changing flight conditions faster
than a human pilot, greatly enhancing the safety of the aircraft.
Computer processing systems that are modeled after connections
in the human brain are creating exciting changes in the way we
do and will expect networks to function.
NNP® and LoFLYTE®
are registered trademarks of Accurate Automation Corporation
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