Optical arithmetic unit, device for converting residue numbers into positional notation numbers and method of operating the device and the arithmetic unit

摘要

1. Device for adding numbers represented in their residual representation in relation to a number of predetermined modules (Mi , i = 1 to N, N = definable natural number), for each of these modules (Mi ) being provided in each case one linear periodic structure (Si ) of constant period length (Pi ), the period length of which is equal to the product (a . Mi ) of the module (Mi ) associated with this structure and a constant (a), and all these structures being arranged parallel to one another and being shiftable in their longitudinal direction (R) relative to one another, characterized in that the linear structures (Si ) consist of mutually superimposable light patterns with periodically fluctuating intensity or/and patterns with periodically fluctuating optical transparency, which can be sampled transversely to their longitudinal direction (R) for the position (Z1 ) of an intensity maximum or intensity minimum with respect to detectors positioned equidistantly in this longitudinal direction (R), in which the distance between adjacent detectors is equal to the stated constant (a).