Real-time image parameterization in high energy γ-ray astronomy using transputers

Recently, significant advances in very-high-energy γ-ray astronomy have been made by parameterization of the Cherenkov images arising from γ-ray initiated showers in the Earth's atmosphere. A prototype system to evaluate the use of Transputers as parallel-processing elements for real-time analysis of data from a Cherenkov imaging camera is described in this article. The operation of and benefits resulting from such a system are shown, and the viability of an application of the prototype system is discussed. (orig.)