Method of scanning an image using non-volatile memory array neural network classifier

A method of scanning a matrix of N×N pixels of an image having N rows of pixels and N columns of pixels using a vector-by-matrix multiplication array that includes rows and columns of non-volatile memory cells configured to store weights, the vector-by-matrix multiplication array configured to receive inputs on input lines that are multiplied by the weights to generate outputs on output lines, the input lines comprise N input line groups each including N of the input lines, the method comprising:

• (a) associating a filter with a matrix of M×M pixels of the matrix of N×N pixels adjacent a first vertical edge and a first horizontal edge of the matrix of N×N pixels, where M is less than N;
• (b) providing values for the pixels associated with different respective rows of the filter to input lines of different respective N input line groups;
• (c) shifting the filter horizontally along the matrix of N×N pixels by X pixels away from the first vertical edge;
• (d) providing values for the pixels associated with different respective rows of the horizontally shifted filter to input lines, of different respective N input line groups, which are shifted by X input lines for each of the respective N input line groups;
• (e) repeating steps (c) and (d) until a second vertical edge of the matrix of N×N pixels is reached;
• (f) shifting the filter horizontally to be adjacent the first vertical edge, and shifting the filter vertically by X pixels away from the first horizontal edge;
• (g) repeating steps (b) through (e) for the vertically shifted filter;
• and
• (h) repeating steps (f) and (g) until a second horizontal edge of the matrix of N×N pixels is reached.