Radiant energy – Photocells; circuits and apparatus – Optical or pre-photocell system
Reexamination Certificate
1998-06-22
2001-07-24
Lee, John R. (Department: 2878)
Radiant energy
Photocells; circuits and apparatus
Optical or pre-photocell system
C359S108000, C359S577000, C382S181000, C382S210000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06265707
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to pattern-recognition computing and to interference-based optical computers.
2. Background Art
The primary background art for the present invention is the applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,802, which teaches the basics of interference-based computing. In that patent, computer-generated (synthetic) holograms are described as a means for producing the computer functions claimed. Devices that use interference-based computing have come to be called “photonic transistors” even though the process will operate using non-photonic energy forms.
In the February 1994 issue of the
Computer Applications Journal
appeared an article by the applicant which explains the basics of conventional computer generation of holograms as they apply to two-input photonic transistors.
Absent from the previous information on interference-based computing are several fundamental processes that the present invention utilizes. These include:
1. The computer generation of pattern-recognition image (fringe) component separators.
2. The simultaneous recognition of multiple information-modulated input patterns.
3. The separation of complex pattern combinations from dynamic images.
4. The use of pattern recognition to produce computer logic.
5. The use of special interference (from application Ser. No. 08/357,460) in pattern recognition.
6. The use of frequency multiplexing of simultaneous logic functions (from application Ser. Nos. 08/357,460 and 08/454,070) in pattern recognition.
7. The use of arrays of the full operational range of optical elements that go beyond the simple opaque, clear, or phase-adjusted ability of the individual pixels that make up ordinary computer-generated holograms.
Non-computing applications of pattern recognition are commonly produced by photographic and holographic techniques in the laboratory. While such methods work well for picking out static letters of the alphabet from a typewritten page, they are not well suited for use in functional active logic, digital computing, or signal processing.
The use of pattern recognition in digital computing requires at least two different patterns that are independently modulated with pattern-illuminating energy to make even an elementary logic device. The energy from the two patterns must be combined to form a dynamic image that changes continually as logic action proceeds. Additionally, there must be an image component separator in order to eliminate from the output any energy from component parts of the dynamic image that would not contribute to the output in a manner in harmony with the rules of logic for the particular device being made. The present invention surpasses the previous methods by providing these necessary things.
According to the teachings of the present invention, one could make some elementary logic devices by simply guessing which patterns might work well, and then producing a functioning logic device by trial and error. However, to optimize output signal levels and waveforms, a method is needed for determining exactly which pattern shapes work best, especially when the device utilizes a multitude of inputs and performs complex computing functions.
The present invention also teaches both a method of calculating pattern-recognition wavefronts, optics and systems as these apply to interference-based computing, and a method of optimizing the input patterns to provide optimal output waveforms from given input-modulation sequences.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a method of performing pattern-recognition computing, computer logic, signal processing, and related functions. It also includes a method of calculating the computer-generated optics used to implement the invention.
The basic method of producing pattern-recognition computing using multiple information-modulated input patterns of wave-type energy comprises the following steps:
a) producing a first input wavefront of said at least one wavelength having a first pattern modulated with quantized information resulting in a first set of modulation states;
b) producing at least one other input wavefront of at least one wavelength having at least one other pattern modulated with quantized information resulting in at least one other set of modulation states;
c) combining said first and at least one other input wavefronts to produce at least one dynamic image having component parts, and
d) separating energy from a subset of said component parts that have a computing function relationship with said quantized information to produce at least one output,
thereby providing a method of pattern-recognition computing.
Any wave-type energy that is capable of producing the required combining of wavefronts—including acoustical waves, moving particle waves, and electromagnetic energy—can be used in the present invention. However, in order to provide for a clear understanding, optical terminology will be used in this disclosure.
A wave having “quantized information” in a “set of modulation states” is a wave that is amplitude- and/or phase-modulated at discrete levels similar to the stair-step method used to simulate analog signals in electronics. Rather than being merely a progression of steps, though, the quantized information can exist at any predefined level. The term “digital” could also be applied. However, “digital” has generally come to mean “binary,” and in the present invention many more than just two levels can be used to make up the set of modulation states.
Quantizing the input signals in the present invention has an effect similar to digitizing electronic signals into binary code. The effects of noise can be reduced or eliminated because the information being transmitted is not lost in noise variations. Likewise, quantization of the information used to modulate the inputs reduces susceptibility to noise variations. Quantizing the input information produces a set of modulation states for each independently modulated input. Each discrete combination of input states produces a discrete interference image having its own distribution of energy that is part of the set of images that make up the dynamic image.
On a micro scale, the minimum energy difference from one discrete input level to another is one quantum as commonly described for electromagnetic waves, along with its equivalent for non-photonic waves. Indeed, precision-built devices of the present invention are able to distinguish such finely divided levels. However, the use of the term “quantizing” herein is in no way restricted to single quantum increments, but includes multi-quanta-level differences as well.
When a device of the present invention operates using analog-modulated signals, the input fades from one discrete level to the next, and this produces a fading from one discrete output combination to the next. This process is often very useful in working devices, but is more difficult to calculate when producing the devices. As a result, quantization of the input information allows the calculating method of the present invention to optimize patterns and optics so as to provide optimized output waveforms over a range of discrete inputs that are able to simulate analog waveforms. This optimization can now be accomplished by the present invention even if the resolution must be calculated to the quantum level. The laws of physics do not allow for analog information to be transmitted in any finer resolution in any case.
Steps a) and b) above provide the multiple-pattern input, each pattern being illuminated and modulated to provide a set of input modulation states. Each combination of modulation states will produce a different interference image when the input wavefronts are combined in step c). The set of all interference images (including images that have a consistent energy distribution with no visible signs of interference occurring,) that result from the various combinations of input modulation states is the dynamic image. It is a “dynamic” image because it changes from one specific interference image to another as the inputs
All Optical Networks, Inc.
Lee John R.
Pate & Pierce & Baird
LandOfFree
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