OSNet: a neural network implementation of order statistic filters

A dedicated neural network model called OSNet which finds the kth largest element in an array of real numbers is proposed. Its overall processing time is constant irrespective of the number of elements in the array and is four times the processing time of a single neuron. Networks of this kind may be used as building blocks for hardware implementation of order statistic filters. Examples of using OSNet for implementing various order statistic filters and for sorting are shown.