Abstract: The present invention relates to a parallel processor containing a number of processor elements of the same type which are integrated on one and the same semiconductor chip. The processor is of the type that allows image and signal processing of the information stored in the processor element. The device contains a unit block (3) for each processor element and is characterized in that each unit block comprises at least two incrementing units (1a, 1b) which are designed to add a signal supplied to the unit block and a signal which originates from an incrementing unit corresponding to the respective unit in the closest preceding unit block in every direction of the processor element matrix. Every unit block (3) further contains at least one logical unit (2) which is designed to perform Boolean logic operations on the signals received from the incrementing units of the unit block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of executing image processing operations such as object recognition or linear/non-linear filtration on a two-dimensional image. This is performed with light-sensitive sensor elements (4) executed in two-dimensional matrix form. The sensor elements (4) are so arranged as to produce an output signal corresponding to the light intensity. The output signal of each sensor element is compared with a monotone increasing or reducing reference value. The extent to which the output signal from the sensor element is greater than or less than the reference value is continuously monitored for each sensor element. An arrangement for the execution of this method comprises a number of sensor elements (4) arranged on a substrate. Each of these has allocated to it on the substrate a comparator (5) so arranged as to compare the output signal of the sensor element with a pre-adjustable reference value and a sub-processor.

Abstract: A method for transmitting ciphered information between two stations while using session keys. According to the method a mutual identification of the stations (AK, A; A,B) is obtained while using an identification device (ID) comprised in each station. Number values (r.sub.1, r.sub.2), originating from each station, may be exchanged by said identification in a form which is so ciphered that the number values may be recovered by the counterpart only. The session key (t.sub.m) is formed on basis of said number values in a modification device (MODIFI). Ciphered data messages are exchanged between the station using the established session key and a message ciphering/deciphering device (MCRY, MDECRY) comprised in each station. According to the method the mutual identification and the establishment of the session key via an open channel may be obtained by transmitting one separate identification sequence in each direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for an array (1) of photo diodes arranged in a matrix, which are integrated onto the same semi-conductor substrate (4) as a picture processor (3) connected to the photo diodes. The picture processor (3) is of a type allowing parallel signal processing, such as a picture transformation of the picture signals coming from the photo diodes. The characteristic of the invention is that the device includes a digital circuit (17) of combinatorial or sequential type connected to the processor (3). This is arranged on said substrate and designed to determine the number and/or the position and/or the sum of positions of the picture elements which the photo diodes (1) and the picture processor (3) have established to fulfil a digital criterion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying that the bearer of a card (e.g., credit card, bank card, etc.) is authorized to use the card. The card bears machine-readable indicia of an account number (PAN) and the bearer of the card has memorized a personal identification number (PIN). There is associated with the PAN a check number (PCN) which is derived by (1) generating a first cipher Y1 by encrypting the PAN using the PIN in combination with a secret security number as a key, the bits of which address a data encryption process; (2) generating a second cipher by decrypting the first cipher using the secret security number as a key so that the decryption process is the reverse of the encryption process; and (3) storing the second cipher as the check number PCN in a machine-accessible location, which may be in a separate memory or recorded on the card itself.