Abstract: A memory accessible by more than one external processor has a data capacity exceeding the addressing capacity of the processors and is capable of modifying the addressing data of the processors.

Abstract: A system enabling high-speed convolution processing of image data, which system includes at least one arithmetical unit having a number of identical processing cells interconnected in semisystolic formation and designed to perform one- or two-dimensional convolutions with separable variables; and a memory block designed to store at least the aforementioned data to be subjected to such convolution processing.

Abstract: A flexible image acquisition and process system comprising photosensor means supplying analogue output signals for compensating and digital conversion means for supplying digital output signals representing the image; timing means for controlling scanning of the photosensor means; means for performing two-dimensional convolutions of data representing the images; and system operating phase control means.

Abstract: A multiple-hierarchical-level multiprocessor system having first numbers of processing modules comprising, each, at least one processor and connected to a first group of common direct-access communication lines for forming a first hierarchical level (family); a first processing module of each of the aforementioned first numbers also being connected to a second group of common direct-access communication lines for forming a second hierarchical level (region); a second number of the aforementioned second groups of common communication lines being interconnected via data transmitting and receiving means for forming a third hierarcical level (region network); the aforementioned means comprising at least one processor for enabling operation independent of the aforementioned modules.

Abstract: Image scanning process for detecting set forms, the main characteristic of the process being that it includes a first stage consisting in analysing signals representing points on the said image, in selecting first points defining areas in which the variation in contrast exceeds a given threshold, and in determining the direction of the tangent line relative to each of the said first points; a second stage consisting in detecting whether, for each of the said first points there exist other first points lying on at least one line having a set length and angle in relation to the direction of the line tangent with the point in question and in projecting onto said tangent line if the direction of the said other point lying on the said line has a second set angle in relation to said tangent line; a third stage consisting in memorizing and accumulating the number of the said projections relative to the said projection points and in extracting the said projection points whose accumulated value exceeds a given number

Abstract: Electronic graphic detecting head includes lamps for lighting a zone in which the said graphics may be presented, lenses for focusing on a detecting means designed to convert light signals into electric analogue signals and circuitry designed to supply a digital conversion of the said analogue signals. The main characteristic of the said electronic head consists in a first threshold-generating block designed to supply a comparator block with a first signal depending on the reflection of a support (3) bearing the said graphics, and a second block for intensifying the difference in value of the said analogue signal from successively-scanning elements on the said detecting means and designed to supply a second signal to the comparator block which supplies a third digital output signal representing the said graphics.

Abstract: A machine for sorting objects of various destinations, particularly for bulky postal correspondence. A guide defines a path passing through at least one loading station and at least one sorting station. At least one succession of compartments for containing individual objects is moved along said guide. Each compartment is in the form of a narrow pigeon hole, which has its surface of maximum size perpendicular to the direction of movement of the compartment and is provided with an operable base wall.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for rotating a binary-data matrix, more particularly to a storage unit for computers which allows the matrix to be rotated to obtain row-wise and column-wise access. According to the invention the bits of the binary-data strings which form the rows of the matrix to be rotated are cyclically rotated with a unitary increase of rotation steps between one string and the next one. The rotated strings are parallely written in respective cell rows of a digital memory having individually addressable cells and then parallely read out therefrom by addressing a cell for each column of the memory. There are obtained modified bit strings, which correspond to respective rows of the desired rotated matrix and are subjected to bit rotation to establish the correct bit order in each string.

Abstract: A multiplicity of independently operating miniprocessors of an electronic data-processing system are grouped in a number of subsystems each including an individual control unit for carrying out an exchange miniprogram, upon request by an originating miniprocessor of its own subsystem, involving a series of data transfers between a transmitting and a receiving miniprocessor of the same or of a different subsystem. The control unit assigns to each exchange request a certain priority level, determined by the time of arrival of the request and by the location of the originating miniprocessor, and establishes an order of precedence in which data blocks are transferred between different pairs of miniprocessors in a time-division mode.

Abstract: A set of photoelectric transducers, optically scanning a line transverse to the direction of movement of a character-bearing document to be electronically read, is periodically actuated to pick up light from a multiplicity of elemental areas of that document and to generate electrical analog voltages commensurate with the brightness of these areas. The analog voltages are serially read out from one or more shift registers as a pulse train or several parallel pulse trains each undergoing digitization and subsequent storage in respective cells of an associated memory. A group of these cells contain, at a given instant, digital codes representative of the relative brightness of respective elemental areas othogonally arrayed in a square surface portion of the document divided into a middle zone and four diagonally adjoining peripheral zones, the middle zone being centered on the point currently scanned.