It is the so-called processor, which will have various functions. Several of these processors are arranged in a parallel formation. We also have set up a memory unit. The remaining part will consist of crossbar switches, linking processors and memory. These switches can be changed freely to re-link components.
Data are very similar to two-dimensional images.
First of all, pattern information input is processed by a processor module and temporarily put in a memory via crossbar switches. The pattern information then goes through the similar processing before being stored in the memory. This process can be repeated many times. Since light cannot perform complex computations, by arranging and switching any number of simple single-functional processor modules, complex computing can be accomplished. Another characteristic of the optical processor is that, since software itself is original, we have developed the concept of a logic operation system, the TLA, suitable for image processing.