Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The present invention is a nonlinear joint transform image correlator which employs a spatial modulator operating in a binary mode at the Fourier plane. The reference and input images are illuminated by a coherent light at the object plane of a Fourier transform lens system. A image detection device, such as a charge coupled device, is disposed at the Fourier plane of this Fourier transform lens system. A thresholding network detects the median intensity level of the imaging cells of the charge coupled device at the Fourier plane and binarizes the Fourier transform interference intensity. The correlation output is formed by an inverse Fourier transform of this binarized Fourier transform interference intensity. In the preferred embodiment this is achieved via a second Fourier transform lens system. This binary data is then applied to spatial light modulator device operating in a binary mode located at the object plane of a second Fourier transform lens system. This binary mode spatial light modulator device is illuminated by coherent light producing the correlation output at the Fourier plane of the second Fourier transform lens system. The inverse Fourier transform may also be formed via a computer. In an alternative embodiment, the Fourier transform interference intensity is thresholded into one of three ranges. An inverse Fourier transform of this trinary Fourier transform interference intensity produces the correlation output.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim