Two-dimensional radiant energy array computers and computing devices

US3996455A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• David H. Schaefer · Silver Spring, US
• James Strong · Skaneateles, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 8, 1974
• Grant date: Dec 7, 1976
• Expiry date: May 8, 1994

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H03K19/14
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Two-dimensional digital computers and computer devices operate in parallel on rectangular arrays of digital radiant energy optical signal elements which are arranged in ordered rows and columns. Logic gate devices receive two input arrays and provide an output array having digital states dependent only on the digital states of the signal elements of the two input arrays at corresponding row and column positions. The logic devices include an array of photoconductors responsive to at least one of the input arrays for either selectively accelerating electrons to a phosphor output surface, applying potentials to an electroluminescent output layer, exciting an array of discrete radiant energy sources, or exciting a liquid crystal to influence crystal transparency or reflectivity. An image combiner/duplicator serves as an interface device for either converting two spaced apart input arrays to a combined input array or for converting an input array to two spaced apart output arrays. Interconnecting devices provide an output array having signal element digital states dependent on the states of non-corresponding input signal elements. Such devices include: a slider for translating the outpu…