IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,455,494
Granted Patent B2
US 12,455,494 · App. 18/776,077 · Granted Oct 28, 2025

Light-based computing methods

Inventors: Marcus Aaron Smith (Theodore, AL); Joshua Norman Smith (Theodore, AL); Robert Chad McCollum (Mobile, AL)
Assignee: OPë, LLC
G02F3/00G06E3/001
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,455,494
App. No.
18/776,077
Granted
Oct 28, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

In one light-based computing method, a first light representing a first numerical input, a second light representing a second numerical input, and a third light representing an output command are received. The first and second lights are comingled. The output light sum of the numerical inputs is based on sensing the amplitude of the comingled light. In another light-based computing method, non-binary values are associated with corresponding light amplitudes. A main light containment area comingles two or more lights inside it. Each of the two or more lights has an amplitude associated with a non-binary value. After sensing light in a secondary light containment area, the resultant light amplitude of the comingled light is detected and becomes the basis for the result of the calculation.

Claims (27)

1. A light-based computing method, comprising:

receiving first light representing a first numerical input, second light representing a second numerical input, and third light representing an output command;

comingling the first light and the second light to provide comingled light;

determining an output light sum, of the first numerical input and the second numerical input, based on the comingled light;

sensing the output light sum; and

outputting a value representing the output light sum.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing a main light containment area to contain the comingled light.

3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising providing a secondary light containment area to contain the output command.

4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising:

sensing the third light in the secondary light containment area;

after the sensing of the third light, providing a signal; and

responding to the signal by outputting the value representing the output light sum.

5. A light-based computing method, comprising:

associating non-binary values with corresponding light amplitudes;

providing a main light containment area having two or more ports configured to admit light into a respective interior space of the main light containment area;

obtaining comingled light by using the two or more ports to comingle two or more lights in the respective interior space of the main light containment area, each of the two or more lights having a respective light amplitude associated with one of the non-binary values;

providing a secondary light containment area;

detecting a resultant light amplitude of the comingled light after sensing light in the secondary light containment area;

obtaining, as a calculation result, one of the non-binary values associated with the resultant light amplitude; and

outputting the calculation result.

6. The light-based computing method as in claim 5 , further comprising providing the secondary light containment area as an output command containment area.

7. The light-based computing method as in claim 5 , further comprising providing the secondary light containment area as an addition command containment area.

8. The light-based computing method as in claim 5 , further comprising providing the secondary light containment area as a subtraction command containment area.

9. The light-based computing method as in claim 5 , further comprising providing the secondary light containment area with an interior having a cubic shape.

10. The light-based computing method as in claim 5 , further comprising providing the secondary light containment area with an interior having a rectangular shape.

11. The light-based computing method as in claim 5 , further comprising providing the secondary light containment area with an interior having a spherical shape.

12. The light-based computing method as in claim 5 , further comprising providing the secondary light containment area with an interior having a tubular shape.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 17, 2024
From: SMITH, MARCUS AARON; SMITH, JOSHUA NORMAN; MCCOLLUM, ROBERT CHAD
To: OPE, LLC
Reel/Frame 068014/0818 →
Continuity (6)
Continuation 17461915 · Aug 30, 2021
Division 16752635 · Jan 25, 2020
Continuation 15853177 · Dec 22, 2017
Division 14294212 · Jun 3, 2014
Provisional Application 61922633 · Dec 31, 2013
Related Publication 20240369908A1 · Nov 7, 2024
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