A method and apparatus for training and operating a neural network using gated data. The neural network is a mixture of experts that performs "soft" partitioning of a network of experts. In a specific embodiment, the technique is used to detect malignancy by analyzing skin surface potential data. In particular, the invention uses certain patient information, such as menstrual cycle information, to "gate" the expert output data into particular populations, i.e., the network is soft partitioned into the populations. An Expectation-Maximization (EM) routine is used to train the neural network using known patient information, known measured skin potential data and correct diagnosis for the particular training data and patient information. Once trained, the neural network parameters are used in a classifier for predicting breast cancer malignancy when given the patient information and skin potentials of other patients.
This patent application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/073,135, filed Jan. 30, 1998 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Method intended for real-time modelling, by neural networks, of hydrodynamic characteristics of multiphase flows in transient phase in pipes. In order to specifically take account of the possible flow regimes of fluids in pipes, various neural or "expert" models are formed for several flow regimes (or subregimes) in the whole of the variation range of the hydrodynamic characteristics of the flows (preferably for each one of them), as well as a neural model estimating the probability of belonging of the flows to each flow regime or subregime, knowing some of the characteristics thereof. The probabilities obtained are used for weighting the estimations delivered by each neural model, the result of the weighted sum being then the estimation eventually retained. Applications to various industries and notably for modelling of hydrocarbon flows in pipelines.
A method and computer product is disclosed for analyzing video surveillance data from a plurality of video inputs recording entrants to a secured location. A plurality of entrant profiles are constructed, detailing typical attributes of the entrants, via data mining algorithms. Video inputs are analyzed, with a plurality of independent automated decision-making systems each determining if an abnormal condition exists based upon the constructed profiles. The determinations of the plurality of decision-making systems are then processed to determine if an alarm condition exists.