Retro Computer Laboratory

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====== Notes related to Claude E. Shannon ======

Find here some notes and information related to **Claude E. Shannon** (1916 - 2001) 
(see also [[wp>Claude_Shannon | Wikipedia]]).

==== The (Rockefeller) Differential Analyzer ====

After his graduation, C.E. Shannon worked for [[wp>Vannevar_Bush| Vannevar Bush]] in the MIT for a mechanical analog computer, called ''Differential Analyzer''.
Most sources show pictures of the well-known, pure mechanical version, while there was a second, more advanced machine which was electromechanically controlled, called the [[wp>Rockefeller_Differential_Analyzer| Rockefeller Differential Analyzer]]; a picture is available from the [[https://webmuseum.mit.edu/media.php?module=people&type=popular&kv=6887&media=15|MIT museum]]. It was presumably the most powerful computer at that time and kept secret during the war. Details are in my note with the title {{:shannon:shannon_rda_rg-2012-12-08.pdf|Claude Shannon and "the" Differential Analyzer}}.

==== Learning Machines ====

Shannon created a first learning machine, a maze for a mouse, called ''Theseus'', using relays, that has not yet been recreated in the same technology and speed. The HNF (Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum) has, however, created two functional replicas ([[https://www.hnf.de/dauerausstellung/ausstellungsbereiche/global-digital/mensch-roboter-leben-mit-kuenstlicher-intelligenz-und-robotik/nachbau-theseus.html|HNF's Theseus replica]]) which internally use modern technology, yet behave exacly like the original according to Shannon's film. Leaning takes place in a substantially static environment. 
The replicas are shown in the HNF in Paderborn and the MIT Museum in Cambridge, MA. 

A second, even smaller learning machine was developed as a portable variant of Hagelbarger's ''SEER, A SEquence Extrapolating Robot'' and coined the ''Mind Reading Machine'' in his publication, also known as ''Penny Matching Game'' 
It learns in the dynamic environment of a game where two opponents change their behaviour while playing. 
As a demonstrator for learning, it cannot cheat, but the player may do so.
See {{ :shannon:mindreader_overview.pdf |Overview}} and {{ :shannon:mindreader_variants.pdf | Correcting the Schematics}}





====== Sources ======

More Information can be found in the following books (more to add):

- N.J.A. Sloane, Aaron D. Wyner (Ed): "Claude Elwood Shannon -- Collected Papers."
IEEE, Wiley New York (1993)

- Axel Roch: "Claude E. Shannon: Spielzeug, Leben und die geheime Geschichte seiner Theorie der Information."
Gegenstalt Verlag, Berlin (2009)

- Jimmy Soni, Rob Goodman: "A Mind At Play."
Simon & Schuster, New York (2017)