Optical Numerical Computation Using Wavelength Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical numerical computation methods are limited in performing arithmetic operations efficiently using light, particularly in representing and processing operands across different bases and handling negative numbers, with existing systems lacking in precision and scalability.
Innovation Solution
The method employs multiple wavelengths of light to represent numerical operands, using light sources and sensors within a light collection cavity to modulate and sense light amplitudes, allowing for arithmetic operations such as addition and subtraction by scaling and combining voltage outputs, and incorporates different wavelengths for positive and negative values to facilitate accurate calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple wavelengths of light are used to represent numerical operands, then precision and scalability of optical numerical computation are improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring multiple light sources and sensors for different wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the numerical representation into different wavelengths of light, where each wavelength corresponds to a specific digit position or numerical value. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple numerical operations simultaneously, improving precision while managing complexity through structured organization of light sources and sensors by wavelength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal optical computation system where the same physical apparatus (light collection cavity, sensors) can handle multiple numerical operations (addition, subtraction) across different bases by simply changing the input light wavelengths and intensities. This multi-functionality improves computational versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If different wavelengths are used for positive and negative values, then accurate handling of negative numbers is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring wavelength differentiation for simple sign representation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses different wavelengths (analogous to colors in optics) to represent positive and negative values. This wavelength differentiation provides reliable and unambiguous representation of numerical signs, ensuring accurate computation. The system compensates for reduced operational simplicity by providing clear, distinguishable signals that reduce errors in interpretation and processing.
3Productivity
If light amplitudes are scaled and combined for arithmetic operations, then computation speed is improved, but loss of information increases due to potential interference and noise in optical signal combination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light collection cavity as an intermediary medium that facilitates the combination of optical signals representing numerical operands. This cavity enables controlled interaction of light waves, allowing arithmetic operations through constructive and destructive interference while minimizing information loss through proper optical design and signal management.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables precise and scalable optical numerical computation, allowing for efficient arithmetic operations across various bases and accurate handling of negative numbers, enhancing the precision and speed of calculations compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
providing a plurality of light sources including one or more first light sources for the first operand and one or more second light sources for the second operand... modulating the first LSD light source to output respective first light at a first wavelength λ1 and with a first amplitude proportional to the respective value
Implementation Method 2
sensing the first light and the second light, in the light collection cavity, using a first LSD light sensor of the one or more light sensors, to obtain a first LSD sum of the first amplitude and the second amplitude
Data Source
AI summary
An optical numerical computation method obtains operands that have respective values and modulates light sources to output light at amplitudes proportional to the operands. The light output for a given operand depends on whether the operand is positive or negative. The positive operands are output at wavelengths different from the negative operands. For operands that have multiple digits, the digits are separately treated so that the least significant digits are modulated with light sources at one frequency, and the most significant digits in two-digit numbers are modulated at another frequency, with positive and negative operands modulated at different frequencies. The light from the light sources enters a light collection cavity where it is sensed with sensors that generate resultant outputs at values indicative of the sensed light value.