Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Corporation

Peter C Poon

Michael G Robinson

An optical image processor which may be used for optical image correlation comprises a liquid crystal spatial light modulator for displaying an input image as a two dimensional array of pixels. An array of photodetectors provides the output. Between the SLM and the photodetectors, there are provided a spatial light modulator and microoptic array of pin holes or lenses. The SLM has a respective picture element for each of the elements of the array and displays a filter or template image for correlation with the images displayed on the input SLM. Each photodetector of the array of output photodetectors views each of the pixels of the SLM via respective pin holes or lenses and pixels of the SLM and array. Thus, each photodetector receives light from the input through an array of pin holes or microlenses which, when selectively shuttered, act as a filter. The attenuation of the light intensity through the pixels of the SLM of the filter and the convergence of the light from the respective light paths on to a single photodetector represent multiplication and addition, respectively, corresponding to a discrete correlation integration function.

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London, United Kingdom

Peter C Poon