Abstract: A cellular processing system for analyzing an image comprising a matrix of points employs an image memory for storing digital data signals representative of each of the points, a plurality of special function processing units, each adapted to perform a specific operation on one or more images, and data bus means for selectively distributing image data from the image memory to one or more preselected function processors for processing in a cascaded fashion and returning the processed data signals back to image memory. The special function process units include a pipeline processor employing one or more programmable, substantially identical neighborhood transformation stages and an image combiner including means for performing arithmetic, logical, and conditional operations on one or more images.

Abstract: The invention is a method for obtaining fringe visibility in hybrid-optical interferometric processors. Encoded data defining an image is utilized to provide both a timing input signal and a method of modulating a light source in synchronization with the modulation of an optical-acoustical element. The modulated light is then detected in a receptor array and converted into signals suitable for driving a readable, visual-imaging device.

Abstract: A method for generating a program to be used in two-class or multi-class image domain feature discrimination problems. A feature discrimination problem is solved by a serial neighborhood processor which is programmed to perform a series of mathematical morphological transformations as specified by structuring elements and morphological operations. The morphological operations are expressed in a program form typically developed by an experienced human, while the sequence of structuring elements used with the program form are generated by an algorithm which iteratively tests and scores the performance of various sequences of transformations, each sequence of transformations being representable by a binary sequence which is allowed to evolve by the processes of mutation and cross-linking. Acceptable forms of binary digit sequences are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a computing machine for reducing speckle noise in video images, particularly radar images, utilizes a complementary hulling technique on vertical pixel grids of the array. The vertical pixel contours which are subjected to the complementary hulling are derived from intersections of vertical grids with conceptual superposed gray-scale surfaces which have front end values corresponding to the gray-scale pixel values. The invention provides the significant advantages of decaying small image features, such as speckle noise at a significantly faster rate than large image features, such as target returns.

Abstract: A system particularly suited for serially processing spatially oriented data such as data matrices includes a plurality of serially connected processing cells for performing a number of successive, different operations on the data using pipeline processing techniques. In one embodiment, each unit cell comprises a memory in the form of a shift register for storing data received from the neighboring, upstream cell. The data is transferred from the memory to a time delaying storage medium such as a latch and to a processing circuit which operates on the data and provides data output to the neighboring, downstream cell. In another embodiment, a simple parallel-in, parallel-out latch is employed as the cell memory thereby allowing the processing circuit to simultaneously access all of the data stored in memory. Data is output from the latch in pre-determined groups and is multiplexed to one portion of the processing circuit.