EP0405732A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Digital signal multiprocessor
Assignee: BAE Systems Electronics Ltd
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Filing: 1990-05-11
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2010-05-11
Abstract
Abstract A data processing apparatus for controlling an equipment by operating control devices (1, 3) of the equipment in dependence on signals produced by sensors (5, 7) wherein the sensor signals are processed in three stages. In the first stage the signals are processed in a processor (11) of high operational speed, i.e. number crunching capabilities, and low decision capability. In the second stage processors (19) of lower operational speed and higher decision capability are used. In the third stage processors (27) of still lower speed but higher decision capability are used. This architecture allows the apparatus to be easily reconfigured for use in a wide variety of different applications.
Inventors
- 👤 Colin Francis Rice
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 03:07
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05B; G05B15/00; G05B15/02; G05B9/00; G05B9/02; G05B9/03; G05D; G05D1/00; G05D1/0055; G05D1/0077
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A data processing apparatus for carrying out a desired operation in dependence on signals derived from sensors (5, 7) characterised in that it comprises: at least one first data processor having a high operational speed but a low logical decision capability arranged to process data received from said sensors (5, 7); a plurality of second data processors (19) each having a lower operational speed but a higher logical decision capability than said first processor (11), and being arranged to process data produced by said at least one first data processor (11); and a plurality of third data processors (27) each having a lower operational speed but a higher logical decision capability than a said second processor (19) and being arranged to operate control devices (1, 3) in dependence on data produced by said second data processors (19).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
A data processing apparatus for carrying out a desired operation in dependence on signals derived from sensors (5, 7) characterised in that it comprises: at least one first data processor having a high operational speed but a low logical decision capability arranged to process data received from said sensors (5, 7); a plurality of second data processors (19) each having a lower operational speed but a higher logical decision capability than said first processor (11), and being arranged to process data produced by said at least one first data processor (11); and a plurality of third data processors (27) each having a lower operational speed but a higher logical decision capability than a said second processor (19) and being arranged to operate control devices (1, 3) in dependence on data produced by said second data processors (19).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to Claim 1 including a further said third data processor (25) arranged to act as a controller for the apparatus.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein each said second processor (19) is associated with a respective support device (21) which serves to reduce the routine processing functions required to be carried out by the associated second processor (19).
Claim 5
Independent Claim
32 words
An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said second processors (19) communicate with said at least one first processor (11) via a common high speed data bus (17).
Claim 6
Independent Claim
45 words
An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each said third processor (25, 27) is associated with a respective support device (29) which serves to reduce the routine processing functions required to be carried out by the associated third processor (25, 27).
Claim 7
Independent Claim
46 words
An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said at least one first processor (11) is associated with a support device (21) which serves to reduce the routine processing function required to be carried out by said at least one first processor (21).
Claim 8
Independent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to any one of said preceding claims wherein said third processors (25, 27) communicate with said second processors (19) via a common data bus (23).
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to Claim 7 wherein said second processors (19) communicate with said at least one first processor (11) via said common data bus (23).
Claim 10
Independent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the apparatus further includes a global memory (39) for use by said processors (11, 19, 27, 29).
Claim 11
Independent Claim
52 words
An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said third processors (25, 27) are connected with said control devices (1, 3) by way of a support device (31) which serves to adapt the data produced by said third processors (25, 27) for use by said control devices (1, 3).
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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