Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for categorizing a moving object within a scene In particular, the present invention relates to a method specifically taking into account the three dimensional data within a scene for determining the location of and type of objects present within the scene. The method involves determining a first probability level for the type of object based on its size and shape, determining a second probability level for the type of object based on its relative speed, and defining the type of the object based on a combination of the first and the second probability level. The invention also relates to a corresponding system and a computer program product.

Abstract: There are provided methods and apparatus for adaptive reference filtering. An apparatus includes an encoder for encoding at least one picture. The encoder performs adaptive filtering of at least one reference picture to respectively obtain at least one filtered reference picture, and predictively codes the at least one picture using the at least one filtered reference picture. The at least one reference picture is a picture wherein at least one sample thereof is used for inter-prediction either of subsequent to the at least one sample being applied to an in-loop filter or in an absence of the at least one sample being applied to an in-loop filter.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method which reconstructs an N-pixel image of a scene such that Q pixel locations associated with identified regions of interest in a scene have a higher image quality when rendered relative to other pixels in the image. Acquisition and adaptive-quality compression are performed simultaneously by semi-synchronously or asynchronously temporally modulating an ordered set of sampling functions used to spatially modulate a pattern of light. The teachings hereof improve compression efficiency of a compressed sensing framework while improving encoding efficiency with respect to traditional compressed sensing techniques.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for performing shadowing utilizing shadow maps and ray tracing. In operation, one or more shadow maps are rendered for at least one light source. Additionally, low confidence pixels associated with the one or more shadow maps are determined. Furthermore, shadow rays associated with the low confidence pixels are traced.

Abstract: A parametric loop filter uses a set of fixed filters to remove or reduce noise and artifacts introduced during video coding. The filters are pre-trained offline and hardwired into encoder and decoder, instead of online trained Wiener filters. The filters are able to be specified using one or more parameters including: direction, bandwidth along the direction (bw//) and bandwidth perpendicular to the direction (bw?). The filter to be used is able to be derived from local image characteristics or predicted from neighboring blocks. The parametric loop filter utilizes much less computation, delay and memory access at the encoder. Fixed coefficients allow fast implementation of filtering at the decoder. A parametric loop filter is able to be combined with online training to further improve performance, by allowing one or more fixed filters to be replaced with online trained Wiener filters.

Abstract: A test device is for testing display parameters of an electronic product with a page browsing function. The electronic product stores display times of a number of standard frames which selected from a standard video file. The standard video file includes frames record the play process of a testing file being played by a standard electronic product. The test device controls a video capturing unit to capture an original video file which includes frames to records the playing process of the electronic product. The electronic product searches matching frames of the number of standard frames in the original video file. Thus the parameters of the electronic product can be determined by display times of the matching frames in the video file.

Abstract: A method and a device for scanning-microscopy imaging of a specimen (28) are described. Provision is made that a plurality of specimen points are scanned by means of a scanning beam (14) in successive scanning time intervals, the intensity of the radiation emitted from the respectively scanned specimen point is repeatedly sensed within the associated scanning time interval, an intensity mean value is determined, as a mean value image point signal, from the intensities sensed in the respectively scanned specimen point, and the mean value image point signals are assembled into a mean value raster image. Provision is further made for additionally determining an intensity variance value, as a variance image point signal, from the intensities sensed in the respectively scanning specimen points, and for assembling the variance image point signals into a variance raster image signal.

Abstract: A method for the imaging of protein expression and location in biological samples using optical segmentation is provided. The steps comprise acquiring a fluorescent image of a biological sample, analyzing the image and generating a masking pattern corresponding to a specific structure within the biological sample, transforming the masking pattern into the spatial coordinates of a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) which may then be projected onto the biological sample and obtaining a masked fluorescent image. Also provided is an image analysis system for imaging of protein expression and location in biological samples using optical segmentation.

Abstract: An extended range optical imaging system and method for use in turbid media generates a beam of coherent light, modulates the beam of coherent light to encode scan information, directs the modulated beam of coherent light from a first location through the turbid medium toward a target, scans the modulated beam of coherent light over the target in a pattern, according to the scan information, to illuminate the target and to cause light to be reflected, detects the modulated light reflected from the target with a sensor at a second location in the turbid medium to derive an output signal that varies in proportion to the modulated reflected light, demodulates the output signal to derive information comprising the scan information, and constructs an image from the output signal and the scan information so derived.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a detecting unit configured to detect an external light reflection region from an input image, and a determining unit configured to determine the glossiness of said external light reflection region, and determines whether or not the reflection of the external reflection region is specular reflection, and extracts a gloss region based on the determination result.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coherent image correlation are provided. The systems include sonars with overlapping frequencies that observe terrain from overlapping aspects to form sonar images. First and second sonar images are formed and are grazing angle compensated. The first image is formed using the open or closed aperture theorem. Forming the second image using the open or closed aperture theorem constraint is optional. If the first and second images are not aligned, a range of possible rotations can be defined and image pairs can be created for a sampling of rotational angles. In addition, the images can be aspect compensated to remove windowing and beam pattern effects, if necessary. Once both images are grazing angle compensated and aligned, values are calculated for each possible image shift. To obtain a correlation image, the correlation coefficient for each possible image shift is calculated.

Abstract: A mechanism for mitigating undesired color image breakup artifacts arising in display systems that exploit the principle of field sequential color generation. By suitably reducing the time interval during which image information strikes the moving retina, such that the differential position for the respective red, green, and blue components of the image falling upon the moving retina does not exceed the diameter of a retinal cone or rod, the cause of the breakup is negated and the image becomes unitary as expected: the eye sees the image as if all the components arrived at the same time. The truncation of light emission into shorter time frames necessitates a compensatory increase in imaging light intensity, such that the net amount of photonic flux striking the retina, averaged over time, remains unchanged. The mechanism can be applied to systems with discrete red, green, and blue sources as well as to color-wheel-based systems.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying video images in response to each frame of field-sequential video signals. The system comprises a backlight comprising first, second and third primary color light sources. The backlight is operable to emit light for at most 5.67 milliseconds of each frame (on-time), and to emit no light during the remainder of each frame (off-time). During a portion of the on-time, at least two of the primary color light sources are on simultaneously. For another portion of the on-time, the primary color light sources are on sequentially.

Abstract: A post processing apparatus of a graphics controller to filter decompressed video data. An embodiment of the apparatus includes a buffer and a de-ringing filter. The buffer is configured to read a pixel line of video data from memory. The pixel line includes pixels from adjacent macroblocks of the video data. The de-ringing filter is coupled to the buffer. The de-ringing filter is configured to identify a maximum pixel jump between adjacent pairs of pixels in the pixel line and to apply a de-ringing filter to a pixel within a pixel subset of the pixel line in response to a determination that the pixel is not an edge pixel. The determination that the pixel is not an edge pixel is based on the identified maximum pixel jump.

Abstract: An optical wavefront control pattern generating apparatus (1) relating to the present invention includes: a target image detector unit (60) configured to detect spatial information of the object (B) as a target image; a reconstructed image detector unit (40) configured to detect the reconstructed image displayed on the reconstructed image display unit (30); and an optimizer unit (50) configured to evaluate, on the basis of the target image detected by the target image detector unit (40), the reconstructed image detected by the reconstructed image detector unit (40), and to apply a modification process to the optical wavefront control pattern in a way that a result of the evaluation satisfies a predetermined condition, so as to generate the optimum optical wavefront control pattern.

Abstract: Non-rigidly coupled, overlapping, non-feedback optical systems for spatial filtering of Fourier transform optical patterns and image shape characterization comprises a first optical subsystem that includes a lens for focusing a polarized, coherent beam to a focal point, an image input device that spatially modulates phase positioned between the lens and the focal point, and a spatial filter at the Fourier transform pattern, and a second optical subsystem overlapping the first optical subsystem includes a projection lens and a detector. The second optical subsystem is optically coupled to the first optical subsystem.

Abstract: A system and method for illuminating an object in preparation for three-dimensional rendering includes a projection device configured to project at least three two-dimensional structured light patterns onto a 3-dimensional object. At least two cameras detect light reflected by the object in response to the at least three structured light patterns. Each structured light pattern varies in intensity in a first dimension and is constant in a second dimension. A single line along the first dimension of a given structured light pattern is created from a superposition of three or more component triangular waveforms. Each component triangular waveform has an amplitude, a periodicity (frequency), and a phase shift which is implemented as a pixel shift. Each component triangular waveform may be subject to one or more waveshaping operations prior to being summed with the remaining component triangular waveforms. The summed waveform itself may also be subject to waveshaping operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that validates a hologram by scanning the hologram at multiple angles is disclosed. The method may include scanning a document containing the hologram at a first angle to create a first image, scanning the document containing the hologram at a second angle to create a second image, determining whether the hologram is valid, and sending the validity determination to a user interface for display to a user.

Abstract: An optical wavefront control pattern generating apparatus includes: a reconstructed image detector unit configured to detect a reconstructed image displayed on the reconstructed image display; and an optimizer unit configured to evaluate the reconstructed image detected by the reconstructed image detector unit, and to generate the optimum optical wavefront control pattern by applying a modification process to the optical wavefront control pattern in order for a result of the evaluation to satisfy a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A method for holographic storage data recovery in a holographic storage system is presented. One exemplary method includes detecting a stored image at a detector such that the image is oversampled. A relationship is determined between a location of the detected image and a location of the source image. Pixel information associated with the source image may be obtained from the detected image based on a fractional delay filter. In one example, the image may be oversampled by magnifying the detected image at the detector and/or having a detector with pixel sizes and spacing less than the image pixel size. Further, coefficients of the fractional delay filter may be determined, at least in part, on magnification and shift information of the image based on known registration marks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for synthesizing a prescribed three-dimensional electromagnetic field based on generalized phase contrast imaging. Such a method and apparatus may be utilized in advanced optical micro and nano-manipulation, such as by provision of a multiple-beam optical tweezer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for synthesizing an intensity pattern based on generalized phase contrast imaging. The phase filter contains a plurality of phase shifting regions that is matched to the layout of a light source array, each of the regions being positioned at the zero-order diffraction region of a respective element of the array. Further, the shape of each phase shifting region may match the shape of the zero-order diffraction region of the respective element. Thus, the energy of the electromagnetic fields of the system may be distributed over a large area compared to the area of a zero-order diffraction region of a single plane electromagnetic field of a known phase contrast imaging system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing spatial representations of referents is provided. The method and apparatus have application in any area where a spatial representation of a referent is required. Examples are image processing and machine vision. In image processing the “referents” are signal sources which are being viewed by an image processing sensor, eg CCD array. The image sources will be points in a scene, for example. Currently available image systems must be aware of the relative positions of the image sensors. In prior art image systems, this information is usually provided a priori. In the present invention, no a priori information on the arrangement of the image sensors is required. Instead, a geometrical representation of the referents is produced by obtaining signals from the referents and utilizing the signals in order to provide the geometrical representation. The geometrical representation is built up purely from the signals provided by the sensors themselves.

Abstract: The present invention can perform the optical measurement in the partially-specular object by preventing a generation of light saturation and blooming for an object with partially-specular characteristics by lowering the transmittance of specular lobe through the spatial light modulator. Therefore, the present invention can widen the measurement range up to the partially-specular object in the state where the advantages of the active optical measurement method of contactless, rapid measurement, and high precision are maintained.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for compressed imaging by performing modulation in a pupil plane. Image information is acquired by modulating an incident light field using a waveplate having a pattern that modifies a phase or amplitude of the incident light field, wherein the waveplate is positioned substantially in a pupil plane of an optical system; optically computing a transform between the modulated incident light field at a plane of the waveplate and an image plane; and collecting image data at the image plane.

Abstract: A method of calculating an aerial image of a spatial light modulator array includes calculating pair-wise interference between pixels of the spatial light modulator array; calculating effective graytones corresponding to modulation states of the pixels; and calculating the aerial image based on the pair-wise interference and the effective graytones. The graytones depend only on the modulation states of the pixels. The pair-wise interference depends only on position variables. The position variables are position in an image plane and position in a plane of a source of electromagnetic radiation. The pair-wise interference can be represented by a matrix of functions. The pair-wise interference can be represented by a four dimensional matrix. The effective graytones are approximated using sinc functions, or using polynomial functions.

Abstract: An authentication system using a correlator that correlates an input with a reference wherein at least one of the input and reference comprises a phase volume mask having structures, preferably points, that are each less than about six microns in size and can have an aspect ratio (AR) greater than 1:1 so as to produce a phase encoded random pattern having millions of combinations in a mask that is as small as one square millimeter. The random pattern can be convolved with a second pattern, such as a biometric pattern, to produce a phase convolved mask. The correlator preferably is a nonlinear joint transform correlator that can use “chirp” encoding to permit the input to be located in a different plane than the reference. The correlator optically Fourier transforms images of the reference and input that are thereafter nonlinearly transformed and inverse Fourier transformed by a processor to determine the presence or absence of a correlation spike indicative of authenticity.

Abstract: A segmented radial spatial light modulator has an active optic area comprising a plurality of radially extending active optic modulators disposed at various angular orientations with respect to a central axis. The segmented radial spatial light modulator is used in separating and isolating portions of Fourier transform optic patterns from images for characterization of images by shape for recording, storing, retrieving, searching, and comparison to other images for matches and near matches. The images can be ghosted to increase optical power in the Fourier transform optic pattern without adding new shape content and for grading comparisons to other image shape characteristics for identifying near matches in addition to matches.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of one or more images of a known kind in a scene is disclosed which comprises a digital input means and an optical output means. The digital input means comprises a capture means which passes a capture image to a first electronic processing means to produce a scene pattern corresponding to a Fourier Transform of the scene image. This pattern is then digitally combined with one or more reference patterns corresponding to Fourier Transforms of a reference image. The resulting combined patterns are then used to modulate a beam of light which may be focused to perform an inverse Fourier Transform providing correlation information. In a preferred embodiment, the combined pattern is displayed on a spatial light modulator.

Abstract: A segmented radial spatial light modulator has an active optic area comprising a plurality of radially extending active optic modulators disposed at various angular orientations with respect to a central axis. The segmented radial spatial light modulator is used in separating and isolating portions of Fourier transform optic patterns from images for characterization of images by shape for recording, storing, retrieving, searching, and comparison to other images for matches and near matches. The images can be ghosted to increase optical power in the Fourier transform optic pattern without adding new shape content and for grading comparisons to other image shape characteristics for identifying near matches in addition to matches.

Abstract: A technique for processing optical input signals to produce optical output signals using only a single hologram for a plurality of circularly shifted code words used to encode the input signals. A spatial light modulator coupled to the each of the optical input signals encodes a corresponding one of the input optical signals, and the optical signals are linear combined for further processing. A matched filter composed of the single hologram receives the linear combination, and a two-dimensional microlens arrangement coupled to the matched filter emits each of the optical output signals from a corresponding microlens in the arrangement. Switching is engendered by controlling each spatial light modulator to thereby direct each input signal to the desired one of the microlens in the arrangement.

Abstract: An imaging system, methodology, and various applications are provided to facilitate optical imaging performance. The system includes a sensor having one or more receptors and an image transfer medium to scale the sensor and receptors in accordance with resolvable characteristics of the medium. A computer, memory, and/or display associated with the sensor provides storage and/or display of information relating to output from the receptors to produce and/or process an image, wherein a plurality of illumination sources can also be utilized in conjunction with the image transfer medium. The image transfer medium can be configured as a k-space filter that correlates a pitch associated with the receptors to a diffraction-limited spot associated with the image transfer medium, wherein the pitch can be unit-mapped to about the size of the diffraction-limited spot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for ink-jet printing. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a system and method useful for ink-jet printing onto textiles. Even more specifically, the present invention is directed to ink-jet printing onto textiles using spot color, process color and hybrid color printing modes. The present invention uses normal textile dyes, purifies these dyes, and then formulates the dyes into stock solutions which, when combined with specific additives, are capable of being used in an ink-jet printing process. The purified stock solutions are shipped in specially designed containers to a color kitchen wherein software is used to analyze the pattern of the textile to be printed and determines which stock solutions and combinations of stock solutions and additives will be needed to reproduce the desired pattern.

Abstract: A segmented radial spatial light modulator has an active optic area comprising a plurality of radially extending active optic modulators disposed at various angular orientations with respect to a central axis. The segmented radial spatial light modulator is used in separating and isolating portions of Fourier transform optic patterns from images for characterization of images by shape for recording, storing, retrieving, searching, and comparison to other images for matches and near matches. The images can be ghosted to increase optical power in the Fourier transform optic pattern without adding new shape content and for grading comparisons to other image shape characteristics for identifying near matches in addition to matches.

Abstract: An angularly multiplexed store contains filters derived from prior examination of input image reference samples, a spectrum analyzer produces spectral data representing the frequency spectrum of the input image under examination, a computer produces an encoded map of the spectral data representing the input image frequency spectrum. The encoded map is transformed, inputted into the store while close match spectral correlation light beams emerge from the multiplexed store, each having an emerging angle associated with that filter within the multiplexed store producing a close match with the first transform. An array of light beam detectors and a display present images having colors that indicate the nature of the input image such as a type of cancer. An associated memory-retro-reflector arrangement displays characters naming the materials making up the input image such as types of abnormal tissue.

Abstract: A multispectral imaging system (1) and method utilize an optical processor (3) for simultaneously comparing an input wavelength spectrum observed in a single spatial pixel in a scene image from a multispectral imager (2) with a plurality of template wavelength spectra to find a correlation. The optical processor exploits the three-dimensional attributes of optical correlation to perform massively parallel correlation processing by modulating (4) respective ones of a plurality of spectral bands of the input wavelength spectrum of an incident light beam (6) with modulating elements (5) to alter at least one property of the incident light beam by a value corresponding to the observed intensity of the input spectrum in the respective spectral band. In a disclosed embodiment, the modulated beam is expanded and transited through a spatial light modulator (7) having a two-dimensional array of modulating elements.

Abstract: A method for adaptive spectral sensing developed for a two-dimensional image made up of picture elements. The method calls for illuminating at least one of the picture elements with an input light and deriving a time-varying spectral signal from the input light for that picture element. The time-varying spectral signal is processed with a time-varying reference signal by using a mathematical function such as convolution, multiplication, averaging, integrating, forming an inner product, matched filtering, addition, subtraction or division to obtain a processed output value for the picture element and this output value is then used in determining a spectral characteristic of the input light. The time-varying spectral signal is conveniently derived by optical filtering of the input light yielding an optical time-varying spectral signal. This method can be used by itself or in combination with at least one other adaptive technique such as adaptive spatial sensing and/or adaptive temporal sensing.

Abstract: A segmented radial spatial light modulator has an active optic area comprising a plurality of radially extending active optic modulators disposed at various angular orientations with respect to a central axis. The segmented radial spatial light modulator is used in separating and isolating portions of Fourier transform optic patterns from images for characterization of images by shape for recording, storing, retrieving, searching, and comparison to other images for matches and near matches. The images can be ghosted to increase optical power in the Fourier transform optic pattern without adding new shape content and for grading comparisons to other image shape characteristics for identifying near matches in addition to matches.

Abstract: A method for searching for and comparing images includes allowing a user, software application, computer system, etc., to create, identify, select, provide, or otherwise produce one or more reference images that the user, software application, computer system, etc., wants to search for, retrieving or providing one or more candidate images that are to be compared to the reference images, comparing one or more of the candidate images with one or more of the reference images, and indicating the results of the comparisons and the degree of correlation or matching between one or more of the candidate images and one or more of the reference images.

Abstract: The invention is an optical feature extraction apparatus which uses video display, spatial light modulation, and detection components in conjunction with microlenslet replicating optics, to expedite the recognition of DNA sequences based on their symmetry properties and, specifically, to classify short (6 bases in length) sequences of DNA as palindrome or nonpalindrome. The DNA sequences are symbolically encoded using a novel method. Multichannel operation is achieved through the replication of input scenery, making possible a higher throughput rate than for single channel systems.

Abstract: Wavefront information for an optical system is calculated based on the intensity of an image of a plurality of gratings having different periods and orientations taken from at least two different planes a predetermined distance apart. The image of a plurality of gratings having different spatial frequencies or periods and orientations, the location of which are precisely known, are imaged in a nominal focal plane of the optical system, and, preferably, in two additional planes displaced a predetermined distance from the nominal focal plane. The phase shift, if any, from a fundamental frequency of the image intensity, is determined based on the known location of the grating and the grating image intensity. The grating image intensity is detected and measured in a first detection plane in a nominal focal plane and in a second detection plane a predetermined distance from the nominal focal plane. From these measurements wavefront information is calculated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing video data images uses optical processing techniques. The method and apparatus perform holographic optical correlation and apply holographic optical correlation in a feedback loop. A codebook of images or primitives for the correlation are stored in a holographic library.

Abstract: An improved optical correlator using a coherent light beam employs a method of adaptive alignment. A test pattern modulates an input spatial light modulator. The modulated beam propagates through passive transforming optical elements to a filter spatial light modulator, which is simultaneously modulated with an independently transformed frequency domain reference. The resulting correlation or coincidence of the optically transformed pattern with the independently transformed reference is processed to yield a feedback signal indicative of any optical misalignment of the optical correlator. The feedback signal drives a beam deflector to compensate by adjusting the path of the coherent beam, thereby improving and maintaining optical alignment of the correlator.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for automatically placing a first unknown image, such as an unknown fingerprint image, into one of a plurality of categories. The invention includes storing in a library a plurality of value series, each of which series is derived from the frequency representation of an image category. The categorization process and apparatus takes the frequency image of a first unknown pattern to create a first frequency image. The frequency image plane of the first (unknown) frequency image is divided into a plurality of frequency image plane regions. Each of the frequency image plane regions may be an angular segment radiating from the origin of the frequency image plane. A region value is assigned to each of the frequency image plane regions based on the total energy in the frequency image in that region. The region values for the first frequency image are combined to generate a first series of region values.

Abstract: Faces are one of the most commonly recognized features among people. According to the invention a system for recognizing intensity images of faces is provided. Intensity images of a face are captured and normalized. The intensity images are transformed, filtered and then transformed again. The filter is based on a three-dimensional image of a face against which the intensity image is being compared. The result is a form of correlation that is substantially illumination independent.

Abstract: The image quality of a hologram is evaluated by measuring the spacial distributions of luminance of an image reconstructed from the hologram and an object recorded thereon, normalizing the amplitudes of luminance per spacial frequency (which are obtained by Fourier transforms of the spacial distributions measured, respectively) and comparing the amplitudes normalized or obtaining a ratio between the amplitudes normalized.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for automatically placing a first unknown image, such as an unknown fingerprint image, into one of a plurality of categories. The invention includes storing in a library a plurality of value series, each of which series is derived from the frequency representation of an image category. The categorization process and apparatus takes the frequency image of a first unknown pattern to create a first frequency image. The frequency image plane of the first (unknown) frequency image is divided into a plurality of frequency image plane regions. Each of the frequency image plane regions may be an angular segment radiating from the origin of the frequency image plane. A region value is assigned to each of the frequency image plane regions based on the total energy in the frequency image in that region. The region values for the first frequency image are combined to generate a first series of region values.

Abstract: A method for pattern recognition and localization using a joint transform correlator and joint transform correlator. The method includes providing a joint image of a reference image and an input scene image at the input plane of the correlator, receiving the joint image and providing a Fourier transform interference field of the reference image and the input scene image, receiving the Fourier transform interference field and providing a joint power spectrum, compensating for noise prevailing within the input scene image by processing the joint power spectrum to produce a noise compensated joint power spectrum, and receiving the noise compensated joint power spectrum and providing a noise tolerant correlation signal so as to enhance pattern recognition and localization capabilities.

Abstract: An image recognition apparatus which is capable of mounting many function such as an image enhancement and image recognition processes into one chip, for thus processing an image processing algorithm of an image enhancement and recognition in real time by extracting a characteristic of an object, comparing the thusly extracted characteristic with a reference pattern, recognizing an image, thus enhancing an image by using a convolver which is a spatial region filter, and by selectively outputting a data which was obtaining by processing the recognized image data or the image data, providing an image signal receiving and inputting unit, and a memory in a host computer for storing the data which were obtained through an image enhancement and recognition process, whereby the image recognition apparatus according to the present invention does not need a memory having a large capacity.

Abstract: A segmented radial spatial light modulator has an active optic area comprising a plurality of radially extending active optic modulators disposed at various angular orientations with respect to a central axis. The segmented radial spatial light modulator is used in separating and isolating portions of Fourier transform optic patterns from images for characterization of images by shape for recording, storing, retrieving, searching, and comparison to other images for matches and near matches. The images can be ghosted to increase optical power in the Fourier transform optic pattern without adding new shape content and for grading comparisons to other image shape characteristics for identifying near matches in addition to matches.