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Associative Processing of Non-Numerical Information

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Computer Architecture

Part of the book series: NATO Advanced Study Institutes Series ((ASIC,volume 32))

Abstract

A common misconception is that associative processing is a special mode of computation which can only be achieved at high expense with complex hardware components. Consequently, it is often maintained that associative processing can only be justified in certain dedicated computer applications for which conventional computer hardware is cost-ineffective. In truth, associative processing is a natural form of information processing and its features are independent of the machine on which it is implemented. Moreover, computer systems supporting the storage, retrieval and processing of non-numerical information are inevitably associative processing systems, whether or not this was intended by their designers. To understand this, perhaps controversial, contention it is helpful to reflect on the nature of information itself.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Brunel University, UK

    R. M. Lea

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  1. R. M. Lea
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. de Mathématiques et Informatique, Rennes, France

    Guy G. Boulaye

  2. Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, Middlesex, UK

    Douglas W. Lewin

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© 1977 D. Reidel Publishing Company, Dordrecht-Holland

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Lea, R.M. (1977). Associative Processing of Non-Numerical Information. In: Boulaye, G.G., Lewin, D.W. (eds) Computer Architecture. NATO Advanced Study Institutes Series, vol 32. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-1226-3_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-1226-3_8

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-1228-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-010-1226-3

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