Information Processing by Data Interrogation

A data-processing technique is described in which a function is evaluated by rapid interrogation of the given data for the presence of combinations of data variables giving rise to values of the function which are of interest. Testing unlabeled measurements from several observers to find data sets which satisfy a test function is discussed as an example. For many problems the required time is much shorter than that needed when processing is carried out by a high speed general purpose machine. Logical design and equipment requirements for solution of such a problem by data interrogation are discussed.