High information density laser image recording method and apparatus

Abstract

An optical memory for storing human readable pictorial information and machine readable digital information within the same format together with a method and apparatus for recording such information. In accordance with the invention, information is formatted as human readable imagery with the machine readable digital data being stored as picture elements of the image. In accordance with a presently most preferred embodiment, each of the many picture elements (pixels), which together comprise the image, are formulated as a plurality of spots, the modulation level of each of which are independently controllable among several levels for recording information digitally within the picture elements, while at the same time, providing the picture elements with the proper optical density values to provide a visual analog presentation of the image. Although the invention has application in a variety of fields, it is particularly suitable for use in laser image reconstruction applications wherein it can be utilized to provide a pictorial reconstruction of an original scene while, at the same time, record, in an easily accessible manner, the full dynamic range of the information acquired about the original scene within the human readable reconstruction. In addition to storing information in both a human readable and machine readable format, the invention also provides a high information packing density capability as well as a great deal a flexibility in processing and handling information.