CPC Definition - Subclass G06E

Last Updated Version: 2019.01
OPTICAL COMPUTING DEVICES; {COMPUTING DEVICES USING OTHER RADIATIONS WITH SIMILAR PROPERTIES} (optical logic elements per se G02F 3/00; digital storage using optical elements G11C 13/04)
Definition statement

This place covers:

All devices in which at least one computing function is performed by optical means.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Optical logic elements per se

G02F 3/00

Computer systems based on specific computational models

G06N

Digital storage using optical elements

G11C 13/04

Special rules of classification

This technology is hardly used anymore.

Optical computers were a technology that was popular between 1900 - 2000.

After 2000 there are virtually no patent applications in this field anymore.

If other aspects, for example mechanical, fluid pressure or electrical computing, are of interest, classification is also made in the relevant subclass for such aspects.

Devices for processing exclusively digital data
Definition statement

This place covers:

Optical computers working exclusively on digital data.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Optical logic elements

G02F 3/00

Electronic digital computers

G06F

Optical digital storage

G11C 13/04

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Quantum computers

G06N 10/00

Special rules of classification

Documents should be classified in the subgroups of G06E 1/00 only if they deal with purely digital optical computing.

Devices not provided for in group G06E 1/00, e.g. for processing analogue or hybrid data
Definition statement

This place covers:

Optical computers operating not exclusively on digital data, but on analogue data or a combination of digital and analogue data (hybrid).

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Optical logic elements

G02F 3/00

Electronic digital computers

G06F

Analog electronic computers

G06G 7/00

Hybrid non-optical computing devices

G06J

Optical digital storage

G11C 13/04

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Quantum computers

G06N 10/00

Special rules of classification

Documents should be classified in the subgroups of G06E 3/00 only if they deal with purely optical computing on a combination of digital and analogue data or on analogue data only.