International Business Machines Corporation

Walter Haberle

Gerd K Binnig

Urs T Durig

Michel Despont

Peter Vettiger

Anton J Scheich

A data processing system comprises a local probe storage array having a plurality of sensors for reading data from a storage surface. A plurality of data processing elements are mounted on the storage array. Each data processing element is connected to different sensor of the array for processing data read by the connected sensor. The data processing elements may be logic gates for performing simple comparisons with input data. Alternatively, each data processing element may comprise more complex logic circuitry for performing more complex functions based on data read by the storage array. Such function may involve a combination of data read by the storage array and data input to the data processing system from an another source. Each data processing element may comprise a complete microprocessor system responsive to data read from the storage array. It will be appreciated that data processing elements may thought of as collectively constituting a form of CPU capable of acting upon data read from the storage array in a parallel and therefor high speed fashion.

Data processing system

Described is a method for erasing data recorded in a data storage device in which a data bit is written onto a surface by applying a first combination of energy and force to the surface via a tip to form a pit in the surface representative of the data bit by local deformation of the surface. The method comprises applying a second combination of energy and force via the tip to prerecorded deformations of the surface to be erased to substantially level the surface.

Mechanical data processing

Mechanical signal processor comprising means for loss compensation

Data acquisition and control apparatus for scanning probe systems

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Waedenswil, Switzerland

Walter Haberle