Data driven processor

Abstract

A data driven processor for searching data stored in memory to identify messages or other data containing operator selected keywords containing alpha-numeric or other characters and for performing arithmetic and other functions performed by processors. The processor comprises a plurality of commercially available integrated circuit random access memories (RAMs). The binary words read out of the RAMs are applied to the higher order addressing inputs of the same RAMs. Messages being searched for keywords are applied to the lower order addressing inputs of the same RAMs. A binary word applied to the higher order addressing inputs of the RAM memory selects a block of memory bits with each bit being associated with a different character. Only the memory bit within a selected block of memory bits corresponding to the keyword character being searched for contains a binary word indicating the block of bits for the subsequent keyword character to be searched for. When a character being searched for is detected, the binary word in the corresponding memory location is read out and applied to the higher order memory inputs. This causes the next block of memory bits to be addressed to await receipt and detection of the next keyword character. After detecting all the characters of a keyword or keywords an output from the RAM memory is used to transfer the stored message containing the selected keyword or words to the output device for operator review.