Multiprocessor system with distributed memory

A distributed memory digital computing system for performing a task, comprising:

• a) a plurality of processing units where each such processing unit includes:
• i) local processing means for performing a portion of the task;
• ii) local memory means coupled to said local processing means for storage and retrieval of data and commands involved in said portion of the task performed by said local processing means, which local memory means is accessible at least in part by other of said processing units;
• iii) external communication path means for permitting unrestricted continuous access to said each such processing unit by said other of said processing units;
• and
• iv) adaptive interface means connecting said each such processing unit to said external communication path means for managing requests of data transfers from said local memory means at said each such processing unit, said requests being initiated by both said local processing means at said each such processing unit and by other local processing means at said other processing units, said adaptive interface means including:
• FIFO queue means for queuing said requests without storing data requested for transfer with said request;
• and
• intelligence means for accessing said local memory means directly without intervention of said local processing means at said same processing unit upon receipt of a request from said other of said processing units;
• b) point switch means connected to the external communication path means for all processing units in the plurality of processing units for passage of instructions for performance of the portions of the task and passage of portions of results between said processing units;
• c) a controlling host computer system including separate processing means, not part of the plurality of processing units and said crosspoint switch means, for providing instructions and data to the plurality of processing units for performing the task by the plurality of processing units, said controlling host computer system including:
• i) a host storage means coupled to said separate processing means for storage instruction and data for the performance of the task by the plurality of processing units;
• ii) user interface means coupled to said separate processing means for inputting instructions and receiving output from the controlling host computer system;
• and
• d) host communication path means which is not part of said plurality of processing units and said crosspoint switch means, coupling said host computer means and at least one of said processing units in the plurality of processing units together for communication therebetween which said at least one of said processing units functions as a supervisory means for said plurality of processing units for receiving said task from the controlling host computer system, dividing said task into said portions, distributing said portions among others of the plurality of processing units and providing the results of said task to the controlling host computer system.