Network of dedicated processors for finding lowest-cost map path
US5072379A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 26, 1989 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2111/06
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and associated apparatus for finding the lowest cost path of several variable paths comprising a plurality of linked cost-incurring areas existing between an origin point and a destination point. The method comprises the steps of, connecting a plurality of nodes together in the manner of the cost-incurring areas; programming each node to have a cost associated therewith corresponding to one of the cost-incurring areas; injecting a signal into one of the nodes representing the origin point; propagating the signal through the plurality of nodes from inputs to outputs thereof; reducing the signal in magnitude at each node as a function of the respective cost of the node; and, starting at one of the nodes representing the destination point and following a path having the least reduction in magnitude of the signal from node to node back to the one of the nodes representing the origin point whereby the lowest cost path from the origin point to the destination point is found.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.