Layered 'recognition cone' networks that pre-process, classify, and describe.

Discussion of pattern recognition programs for input data preprocessing with simultaneous or subsequent characterization, or characterization into a 'recognition cone,' or description and naming, interrelated descriptions, and conversion. A computer program is described that transforms and characterizes the input through the successive layers of a recognition cone. The program can choose and put forth names of parts of the input scene. It combines pieces of a description into interrelated wholes by using n-tuple characterizers and conducts a simple and stylized conversation about what it has seen. The technique of combining recognition cones with preprocessing transformations and characterizations is expected to contribute to technology in this field.