Abstract: The Fourier transform optical processing system of the present invention includes generating an electrical signal in response to a first image and modulating a beam of coherent light with means that is responsive to the electrical signal. A Fourier transform image of the modulated coherent light beam is formed, an then detected. The detector provides a second electrical signal representative of the Fourier transformed image. Other aspects of the invention include comparing the second electrical signal to a reference electrical signal for producing an output signal representing any differences; optically preprocessing the image; detecting the Fourier transform image and generating signals representative of its Fourier transform characteristics; and modulating a coherent light beam using a liquid crystal or other spatial light modulating device.

Abstract: Lines of text (e.g., printing on a product) are verified by forming a one-dimensional image of each line substantially parallel to its length. This one-dimensional image information is compared to corresponding information for the intended lines of text. This comparison is preferably done using acousto-optic correlator systems. Space and frequency multiplexing may be used to allow parallel processing of several lines of text and/or to allow comparisons with multiple references to be made simultaneously. The invention may be used to determine the acceptability of products based on the correctness of the text image, and to reject products on which the correct text does not appear.

Abstract: Products having optically detectable straight line segments are inspected for acceptability by forming one or more one-dimensional images of the product in which properly aligned straight line segments are respectively focused to points in the image. Such parameters as the location and image intensity of these one-dimensional image points are used to determine whether or not the product is acceptable. An optical Hough transform underlies these product inspection techniques.

Abstract: A method of recognizing different perspective views or images (i.e., multivariant views) of the same object (i.e., intraclass patterns). Each intraclass pattern, or different representation of the same object, is described as an orthonormal basis function expansion, and a single averaged matched spatial filter is produced from a weighted linear combination of these functions. The method eliminates the multiple matched spatial filters, and the extensive postprocessing of the matrix output from a multichannel correlator, which are used in the prior art.

Abstract: A multiple-invariant, space variant optical processor in which two functions described by any number of separate distortion parameters can be correlated with no loss in signal-to-noise ratio of the correlation. The unknown distortion parameters can also be determined in this scheme. Experimental confirmation of the key step, determination of the non-linear phase portion of a complex optical transform can be provided.

Abstract: A correlation method and apparatus for electrical signal transmission and ception of coded waveforms are disclosed which makes use of a coordinate transformation of the original waveform prior to transmission, effecting an inverse coordinate transformation upon reception and then correlating the resultant waveform with the original waveform. More particularly, the coordinate transformation and its inverse comprises a non-linear transformation preferably of the logarithmic type which when utilized in an electro-optical signal processor of a radar system, for example, provides Doppler invariant output data, as well as additional noise immunity.

Abstract: Correlation methods and apparatus are disclosed which make use of Mellin transforms that are scale and shift invariant. There is no loss in the signal-to-noise ratio of the correlation, and data is available for determining any scale difference between the input and reference data.