Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the phase difference between two signals including a precision extender employing a frequency multiplier for each of the signals, apparatus for heterodyning each of the signals back to their original frequencies, and a phase detector for measuring the phase difference of the heterodyned signals.

Abstract: The merit function of an optical system employing a holographic optical element (HOE) is optimized by determining the ideal phase transfer functions of the hologram over a set of field angles and then arriving at the phase transfer function of the hologram by averaging over the ideal phase transfer functions.

Abstract: A serial neighborhood processing system, preferably employing a pipeline of individually programmable stages, is used to detect image correspondence between multiple frames of image data. Similar features in each frame are extracted utilizing a series of dilation and erosion sequences. In particular, landmarks in each frame are condensed to single image points having exactly one corresponding point in the other frame surrounding it within a given mathematical distance. The second frame of pixel data is registered with the first frame as a function of the spatial relationship between these pairs of matched points in the two reduced frames. A comparison is made between the first frame and the registered second frame to detect differences therebetween. Motion detection, stereo projection, registration of multidate Landsat imagery and matching images of electrophoretic gels are examples of particular uses for the techniques disclosed.

Abstract: An image sensor for generating multi-bit digital pixel values for analyses in a digital image processor. A phase detector is utilized for detecting the relative phase difference between a modulation reference waveform for modulating a light source and the reflected information waveform from the illuminated target area. A high speed digital counter is driven by a phase locked loop frequency multiplier. The counter is enabled and reset by digital logic levels derived from the reference and signal waveforms. A latch is provided to store the count on the counter output when the counter is reset to thereby provide a multi-bit digital pixel value representative of characteristics of the target being sensed.

Abstract: An optical signal processor operating on interferometric principles serves to perform real time Fourier transformations on the intensity distribution of one-dimensional incoherent input light sources.

Abstract: A pipeline of programmable serial neighborhood stages is used to automatically check for adherence to a set of predetermined geometrical constraints or design rules used in the fabrication of electronic components such as integrated circuit devices. In a disclosed embodiment, bit-map representations of several IC masks are superimposed in one composite image matrix for processing in the pipeline. Advantages in processing speed, especially for design rule checking requiring data from more than one mask, are obtained since all necessary data is available to the stages in the pipeline.

Abstract: A method and device for amplitude modulating a high powered beam of infrared radiation at frequencies in the megahertz range are disclosed. A laser is used to generate a beam of 4-40 watts of power and the beam is passed through as acousto-optical crystal having an acoustic transducer on one surface. A standing acoustical wave in the crystal is provided by a low powered drive signal at a frequency of one to ten megahertz. The beam is efficiently modulated by the standing wave at exactly twice the frequency of the drive signal. The device incorporates a heat sinking arrangement which serves to preclude deleterious action of divergent acoustical waves generated in the crystal, as well as to provide excellent removal of thermal energy.

Abstract: A plurality of serial neighborhood transformation pipelines are provided for simultaneously operating on adjacent segments of a partitioned image matrix. Techniques are disclosed for bi-directionally transferring pixel data on the edges of adjoining segments of the image matrix between adjacent processors in a manner which minimizes the number of interconnections therebetween. In such manner a parallel pipeline image processing system can be implemented in integrated circuit form while keeping the number of pins for each stage in the pipeline to a minimum.

Abstract: Infrared color film is constructed with a particular arrangement of dye sensitized layers so that the film may respond to the entire visible spectrum, including the blue visible band, as well as the infrared band by choosing the appropriate camera lens filter.

Abstract: A method of analyzing multiple frames of image data wherein each frame is represented by a matrix of pixels fed serially from a source for processing. A first frame of pixels is transformed in at least one serial neighborhood transformation stage to detect spatial locations associated with given objects in the frame. A second frame of pixels is subsequently transformed to detect the spatial locations associated with the objects in that frame. Then, the differences between the transformations of the first and second frames are analyzed to detect changes in the number of and/or location of the objects between frames.

Abstract: Dynamic data generator circuitry is disclosed for use in an image analyzer system. The system includes a plurality of storage devices for temporarily storing a neighborhood in the image matrix comprised of a central data point and its surrounding points in the matrix. A transformation generator includes neighborhood contribution circuitry for operating on the values of each point in the neighborhood when they are loaded in the storage devices. The maximum value associated with any of the adjusted points in the neighborhood is provided as a transformation output signal. To aid in the maximum value selection process, the value of the central data point in the neighborhood is sensed and used to provide a correction value so that all of the adjusted data points in the neighborhood are within a particular range of values so that the maximum value selection circuitry may accurately identify the data point in the neighborhood truly having the maximum value associated with the image.

Abstract: A pipeline of programmable serial neighborhood stages is used to automatically check for adherence to a set of predetermined geometrical constraints or design rules used in the fabrication of electronic components such as integrated circuit devices. In a disclosed embodiment, bit-map representations of several IC masks are superimposed in one composite image matrix for processing in the pipeline. Advantages in processing speed, especially for design rule checking requiring data from more than one mask, are obtained since all necessary data is available to the stages in the pipeline.

Abstract: An optical computer based on the residue number system employs a plurality of computational modules which may be programmed using electronic pulses to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division operations. Each module comprises an array of optical switches in the form of directional wave guide couplers interconnected by optical transmission paths to form a series of maps corresponding to a given modulus. The optical switches are arranged in rows and groups of rows may be selectively activated to adapt the module to perform various arithmetic operations. One residue is input to the module in the form of light pulses and is spatially arranged to automatically select the proper map to perform a desired function. The optical switches in each row thereof are electrically interconnected to a bi-stable electrical switch that simultaneously switches all of the logical switches in that row in accordance with a programming input pulse delivered to one of the bi-stable switches.

Abstract: An optically transmissive article having predetermined net reflectance characteristics and a method of forming such an article is disclosed. The article includes a holographic layer with fringe patterns generally paralleling a major surface of the article. The fringe patterns have been formed in such a way that the amplitude and phase of the light diffracted therefrom is in a predetermined relationship with the amplitude and phase of the reflected light. The relationship between the respective amplitudes and phases of the diffracted and reflected light determines the net reflectance characteristics of the article. In a preferred embodiment, the hologram is formed such that the diffracted light has the same amplitude but is 180.degree. out of phase with the reflected light so as to provide an antireflective coating for the article.

Abstract: An image analyzer system includes a pipeline of individually programmable neighborhood transformation stages. Programming of the stages is accomplished by way of coded command signals which are either of a local or global type. Global commands propagate down the pipeline to all of the stages whereas local commands are utilized to program only selected stages. Once the stages are programmed the image data may be transferred over the same bus previously utilized to carry the programming instructions. In the preferred embodiment, control lines are employed to indicate whether image data or programming instructions are being transferred over the bus.

Abstract: An image analyzer system employs at least one neighborhood transformation stage for analyzing groups of neighborhood pixel values and selectively transforming the pixel values as a result of the analysis. In one embodiment, the center pixel in the neighborhood is changed to a programmable transformation value if it and its neighboring pixels have particular values. Preferably, the stage includes a programmable memory loaded by a central controller which is utilized to determine whether neighboring pixels of particular values are configured in a preselected pattern. The stage may also include another programmable memory for assigning selected values to the digital signals depending upon their original values as they enter the stage.

Abstract: An image analyzer system and a method of analyzing image information contained in serial scan lines of pixels in which some of the pixels have valid data values representing image information while other pixels have invalid data values not representing characteristics of the image to be analyzed. Off image detector circuitry is utilized to generate output signals to neighborhood transformation logic when one or more pixels in a neighborhood contain invalid values. Preferably, the off image detector means monitors the status of a control line which indicates whether valid or invalid pixels are being transferred over a bus to a stage of the image analyzer system. The detector circuitry operates to store the number of valid pixels in subsequent scan lines presented to the stage. This comparison is utilized to detect invalid pixel values which may be contained in each neighborhood.

Abstract: An image analyzer system employs one or more neighborhood transformation stages. The stage operates to access groups of neighboring pixels in an image matrix, analyzes them and generates a transformation output as a result of the analysis. The stage includes a logic circuit which is programmable from a central controller. In the preferred embodiment, each pixel in the neighborhood is analyzed by the logic circuit and temporarily stored until other pixels in the group have been analyzed. The combination of analyzed pixel values form the basis for generating the transformation output for the stage. Preferably, the logic circuit is designed to perform both two dimensional and three dimensional image analyses.

Abstract: A system for analyzing images represented by a plurality of raster scan lines of pixel values employs at least one neighborhood transformation stage. The stage includes a processor portion for analyzing windows of neighboring pixel values and providing a transformation output as a function of the pixel values contained in the window. A random access memory (RAM) repetitively stores a given plurality of successive pixel scan lines fed to the stage. Selected pixel values from the RAM are loaded into the processor portion so as to sequentially access the neighborhood windows for analysis. The RAM serves as a recirculating line storage device for accommodating different raster scan line lengths.

Abstract: An image analyzer system includes a pipeline containing a given number of serially connected neighborhood transformation stages. Each stage includes a neighborhood extraction portion for sequentially accessing substantially all of the neighborhoods in a matrix of pixels constituting an image. Transformation control logic in each stage is operative for analyzing the pixels contained in the neighborhood extraction portion and provides a transformation output signal to the next stage in the pipeline. A central controller serves to program the stages to thereby define the type of transformation to be performed by the neighborhood transformation logic. Feedback means are provided for selectively coupling the output of the last stage in the pipeline to the input of the first stage.