Hughes Aircraft Company

Graham R Nudd

Jan Grinberg

Emanuel Marom

Bernard H Soffer

Siegfried Hansen

Robert D Etchells

Methods of performing complex optical computations, preferably using a programmable optical data processor having a plurality of spatial light modulators to impress data onto a data beam. Data can be applied to a subset of the modulators so as to impress a corresponding data image onto the beam; with uniform data applied to the remaining ones of the modulators so as to impress corresponding uniform data images onto the beam such that the computation performed is dependent on the data applied to the subset of the modulators. Any one of a number of performable optical computations can be programmably performed by providing data to selected subsets of the plurality of spatial modulators.

Programmable methods of performing complex optical computations using

Apparatus is disclosed for high-speed processing of a two-dimensional image using Cellular Array Processors arranged as parallel modules in a multi-level matrix. An array of photosensors is used to provide image intensity signals for each image pixel. Comparator and memory modules are used to convert the sensor signals to digital form using parallel processing techniques.

Apparatus for high speed analysis of two-dimensional images

The Array Processor of the present invention is comprised of a plurality of modular Elemental Processors, the modules being of a number of different functional types. These modules are associated so that the Elemental Processors are architecturally parallel to one another. The principal flow of data within the Array Processor, based on the simultaneous transfer of data words within the Elemental Processors, is thereby correspondingly parallel. The modules are also architecturally associated as functional planes that lie transverse to the Elemental Processors. Each functional plane is thereby comprised of an array of modules that are each otherwise associated with a separate Elemental Processor. Further, the modules of a given functional plane are of a single functional type. This allows the data of a two-dimensionally structured data set, present within the Array Processor, to be processed identically and in parallel by a common logical operation as provided and performed by a functional plane. The Array Processor is operatively connected to a Control Processor by an Array/Control Processor Interface. This interface allows the Control Processor to direct the operation of, and exchange data with, the Array Processor.

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Broadway, United Kingdom

Graham R Nudd