14. A method of pattern learning, comprising the steps of: (a) entering a pattern having a feature to be learned on a primary retina of a pattern recognition apparatus comprising a plurality of basic recognizers, each basic recognizer including a plurality of recognition elements; (b) for each recognition element of each basic recognizer of said pattern recognition apparatus, if the recognition element sees the pattern having the feature to be learned setting a count of the number of patterns having the feature to be learned that have been seen by the recognition element equal to one; and (c) for each basic recognizer of said pattern recognition apparatus, calculating an estimate of the average number of recognition elements that have seen a pattern having the feature to be learned.
14. A method of pattern learning, comprising the steps of: (a) entering a pattern having a feature to be learned on a primary retina of a pattern recognition apparatus comprising a plurality of basic recognizers, each basic recognizer including a plurality of recognition elements; (b) for each recognition element of each basic recognizer of said pattern recognition apparatus, if the recognition element sees the pattern having the feature to be learned setting a count of the number of patterns having the feature to be learned that have been seen by the recognition element equal to one; and (c) for each basic recognizer of said pattern recognition apparatus, calculating an estimate of the average number of recognition elements that have seen a pattern having the feature to be learned. 15. A method of pattern learning according to claim 14, wherein said estimate of the average number of recognition elements that have seen a pattern having the feature to be learned is calculated by the formula ##EQU15## where s is the estimate of the average number of recognition elements that have seen a pattern having the feature to be learned, x is a count of the total number of recognition elements in the basic recognizer, r.sub.i is a count of the number of patterns having the feature that have been seen by that recognition element, and c is a learning cycle count.