Abstract: A multiprocessor computer system consists of n computer modules. Each computer module includes a processor module and a reducing encoder for forming a data word from a code symbol. The code symbols are broadcast to all computer modules for further processing, so that a correct data word comprising k symbols can be reconstructed by means of a symbol-correcting code, while at the most t code symbols may be disturbed. For the connection of an external apparatus, the latter transmits A original versions to a corresponding number of computer modules. The original versions are broadcast to the computer modules as secondary, tertiary, . . . versions during successive broadcast steps. Subsequently, decision steps are taken in the opposite sense, that is to say during a last step but one in majority decision is taken each time on the basis of a secondary version and the tertiary versions originating from the same original version as the relevant secondary version.

Abstract: A data processing device is composed of four data processing modules (100, 102, 104, 106) which include mutually corresponding processing means (12, 14, 16, 18) and storage modules (28, 30, 32, 34) which are connected thereto, which data processing system includes an interconnection network (82, 84, 86, 88) which is fed by the respective data processing modules in order to apply bytewise generated processing results from any data processing module to any other data processing module. Each data processing module comprises an input decoder (54, 56, 59, 60) for receiving such intercommunicated processing result and therefrom reconstructing a correct bytewise processing result from mutually incongruent processing results so received even in case of failure of one data processing module for feeding to the local processing means.

Abstract: For the purpose of identification, an object is provided with a code field containing a dot code. The code field possesses a certain degree of multiplicity of rotational symmetry (for example, 2, 3, 4, 6). The code field contains information dots from which its orientation can be detected. Redundancy is added which includes the orientation information, so that a certain degree of error correction is possible. By way of example, a suitable code is given for rotationally symmetric objects on which there is not enough space for a bar code.

Abstract: A data processing system is composed of three data processing modules each of which comprises mutually corresponding processing means. The results are applied to all other data processing modules via an interconnection network. For the interconnection an encoder is connected in at least two data processing modules. Encoding envolves the multiplication of the multi-bit quantities received by respective, regular matrices which differ from the identity matrix as well as from one another. By a suitable choice of these matrices, one code symbol or two bit errors in different code symbols can be corrected for a width of 4 bits. In an erasure mode one further bit error is correctable outside the ignored symbol. For larger values of k, the maximum error protection capability can be increased further.

Abstract: A three module memory system is disclosed wherein a data word of 2.sup.i+1 bits is stored. Half of the data word is stored in each of two memory modules. A third memory module is provided, wherein each of the modules allows for storing symbols of 2.sup.i +1 bits. An error protection code is disclosed which for symbols of five bits has a minimum distance profile of (4, 2, 0) and for symbols of nine or seventeen bits has a minimum distance profile of (6, 2, 0). Thus a single bit error is correctable, a single symbol error is detectable, and up to four arbitrary bit errors are detectable. Also a simple and systematic decoder is disclosed.