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Abstract

A parallel computing system producing, storing, and processing voxel data elements in parallel within a three-dimensional memory storage array, and producing and buffering pixel data elements in parallel for use in volume visualization of the stored voxel data elements. The parallel computing system includes a system bus for transferring parameters and local programs. A plurality of local computing units are connected to the system bus. Each local computing unit has a local program storage memory for storing one or more local programs, and RISC processor for executing the local programs. A local memory storage module is connected to each local computing unit. Each local memory storage module has a set of memory storage elements, each of which is capable of storing one or more voxel data elements. A plurality of the memory storage elements in the local memory storage modules are indexed so as to represent the three-dimensional memory storage array in 3-D space characterized by three coordinate directions. A local bus is connected to each local computing unit and one local memory storage module, for transferring voxel data elements therebetween. A control computing unit is connected to the plurality of local computing units by way of the system bus, for coordinating (i.e., synchronizing) parallel execution of the local programs by the plurality of local computing units. A voxel data element transfer means mechanism transfers voxel data elements among the local computing units. A pixel data element buffer memory is connected to the buses, and is controlled by the control computing unit. These pixel data elements are transferrable over the system bus to a user interface/display computing unit, for use in visualization of voxel data elements stored in the three-dimensional memory storage array.

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First Claim