A-type data processing technology; the first real step from electronic abacus to intellectual computer
by
Alexander S. Slusarenko
Saint-Petersburg State Aerospace Instrumentation University

The so called A-type technology is suggested which is aimed for designing of information complexes, as well as of control and data processing systems. The concept of data (information) in A - type technology performance is substantially widened. Compared to traditional calculational approach it deals not only with numbers but with data characteristics which determine as the magnitudes, so their errors. Errors reflect deviations and are random values. The numerical characteristics (moments) of random data errors can be derived from their probability distributions. On this base the problem of results validation and verification is eliminated, processing time reduces in one-two orders, and the results precision is increased manifold.

A-type technology is similar to the interval analysis, but contrarily, the results of operations are received not post factum but in the process of forming the so called informational-computing medium. Probabilistic approach allows to define and study "calculational noise" which characteristics are real-time parameters.

It radically changes methodology of information processing, particularly, principles of computer programming. Automation of data processing in this case is not only the means of getting the result but also of its confidence level.

Date received: January 13, 2000