Architecture for a signal processing apparatus
First Claim
1. A signal processing apparatus for controlling control devices in dependence on signals derived from sensors, said signal processing apparatus comprising:
- (a) at least one first data processor for processing data carried by said signals, in addition to performing routine processing functions;
(b) a plurality of second data processors for processing data produced by said first data processor, in addition to performing routine processing functions;
(c) a plurality of third data processors for processing data produced by said second data processors, in addition to performing routine processing functions;
(d) said first data processor having a higher operational speed than each of said second data processors, and each of said second data processors having a higher operational speed than each of said third data processors;
(e) said first data processor having a lower logical decision capability than each of said second data processors, and each of said second data processors having a lower logical decision capability than each of said third data processors; and
(f) a first data bus, said first data processor, each of said second data processors, and each of said third data processors being individually connected to said first data bus for transfer of data from said first data processor to said second data processors and from said second data processors to said third data processors.
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Accused Products
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.
27 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A signal processing apparatus for controlling control devices in dependence on signals derived from sensors, said signal processing apparatus comprising:
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(a) at least one first data processor for processing data carried by said signals, in addition to performing routine processing functions; (b) a plurality of second data processors for processing data produced by said first data processor, in addition to performing routine processing functions; (c) a plurality of third data processors for processing data produced by said second data processors, in addition to performing routine processing functions; (d) said first data processor having a higher operational speed than each of said second data processors, and each of said second data processors having a higher operational speed than each of said third data processors; (e) said first data processor having a lower logical decision capability than each of said second data processors, and each of said second data processors having a lower logical decision capability than each of said third data processors; and (f) a first data bus, said first data processor, each of said second data processors, and each of said third data processors being individually connected to said first data bus for transfer of data from said first data processor to said second data processors and from said second data processors to said third data processors. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification