Highly parallel consistent labeling algorithm suitable for optoelectronic implementation

Constraint satisfaction problems require a search through a large set of possibilities. Consistent labeling is a method by which search spaces can be drastically reduced. We present a highly parallel consistent labeling algorithm, which achieves strong k-consistency for any value k and which can include higher-order constraints. The algorithm uses vector outer product, matrix summation, and matrix intersection operations. These operations require local computation with global communication and, therefore, are well suited to a optoelectronic implementation.