Abstract: The analog-to-digital converter array 13 includes one analog-to-digital converter 210 for each row of photodetectors 120 in the photodetector array 11. The image-processing unit 14 includes the plurality of processing circuits 400 for performing high-speed image processing. The signal converter 17 combines the output signals from the analog-to-digital converter array 13 with output signals from the image-processing unit 14. Under control of the control circuit 15 and the signal conversion controller 19, the signal converter 17 downconverts the composite signal at an important timing to a frame rate suitable for display on the monitor 18 and subsequently displays the signal on the monitor 18.

Abstract: The individual identification apparatus is provided for comparing a target pattern of an arbitrary person with a recorded reference pattern of a specific person, thereby judging whether the arbitrary person is the specific person. The apparatus has a calculation processing portion 60. In order to previously record a pattern of the specific person as a reference pattern, the portion 60 calculates correlations between the pattern of the specific person and comparative patterns which belong to other people. The portion 60 records the pattern of the specific person as a reference pattern only when the correlations between the pattern of the specific person and the comparative patterns are equal to or lower than a threshold. The portion 60 refuses to record, as a reference pattern, such a pattern that provides high correlations with regards to the other people's patterns and therefore that has a high similarity with regards to the other people's patterns.

Abstract: The image pick up portion 50 picks up a pattern of a predetermined body portion of a specific individual a plurality of times and outputs a plurality of reference image signals for being stored. The image pick up portion 50 also picks up a pattern of the predetermined body portion of an arbitrary individual desired to be identified with the specific individual and outputs a target image signal. The calculation processing portion 60 electronically performs a Fourier transform on the plurality of reference image signals and the target image signal. The calculation processing portion 60 superimposes the Fourier transformed results of the plurality of reference image signals. The calculation processing portion electronically multiplies the thus superimposed reference image signals with the Fourier transformed target image signal.

Abstract: The individual identification apparatus includes the image pick up portion 50 and the calculation processing portion 60. When recording information on a specific individual, the portion 50 picks up a pattern of a predetermined body portion of the specific individual and outputs a reference image signal. When desiring to identify an arbitrary person with the specific individual, the portion 50 picks up a pattern of a predetermined body portion of the arbitrary individual and outputs a target image signal. The portion 60 calculates a correlation signal between the reference image signal and the target image signal. That is, the portion 60 digitizes the reference image signal and the target image signal, electronically Fourier transforms those image signals, electronically multiplies the Fourier transformed images, and electronically inverse Fourier transforms the multiplied result to obtain the correlation signal.

Abstract: In a spatial light modulator of the present invention, a photoconductive layer formed of photoconductive material receives write light having a spatial distribution in its intensity and changes resistivity of the photoconductive material dependently on the spatial distribution in the intensity of the received write light. A liquid crystal layer formed of liquid crystal molecules of nematic phase receives read light and presents birefringence with respect to the received read light. An electric voltage is applied through the photoconductive layer and the liquid crystal layer to thereby produce an electric field in the liquid crystal layer. The photoconductive layer changes the electric field produced in the liquid crystal layer in accordance with the resistivity of the photoconductive material so as to electrically control the birefringence of the liquid crystal molecules.

Abstract: In an optical detector, a light source irradiates coherent light onto an objective. A Fourier transform lens receives the light diffracted and scattered at the objective and Fourier transforms the light to generate a Fourier image, the Fourier image having a high intensity spectral component corresponding to the periodic pattern on the objective and a low intensity spectral component corresponding to the abnormal portion. In an optically-addressed spatial light modulator, each of the optically-addressing part and the light modulating part receives the Fourier image at the corresponding portions.

Abstract: In an optical detector, a light source irradiates coherent light onto an objective. A Fourier transform lens receives the light diffracted and scattered at the objective and Fourier transforms the light to generate a Fourier image, the Fourier image having a high intensity spectral component corresponding to the periodic pattern on the objective and a low intensity spectral component corresponding to the abnormal portion. In an optically-addressed spatial light modulator, each of the optically-addressing part and the light modulating part receives the Fourier image at the corresponding portions.

Abstract: An optical associative memory in which processing data by optical operations permits simplification in circuit arrangement, a shorter processing time and the generation of successive outputs. The associative memory includes multiplying system for multiplying an input signal or a feedback signal, and a magnifying system for magnifying the input signal or said feedback signal.

Abstract: An object is typically illuminated by laser light, and reflected light carrying a speckle pattern is amplified by an image intensifier. First and second speckle patterns representing the object before and after its deformation, respectively are written by double writing into a ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulator (FLC-SLM). The double-written image is read out from the FLC-SLM, and converted by a Fourier transform optical system into an output optical image, i.e., Young's fringe. The output optical image is detected by a photoelectric converter, and analyzed by an image processing device to determine a deformation of the object.

Abstract: An optical associative memory produces an electrical correlation matrix pattern from an inputted electrical reference pattern and an electrical recall pattern, and converts the electrical correlation matrix pattern into a corresponding optical correlation matrix pattern, which is stored in a correlation matrix storage device. A reference pattern conversion device converts the electrical reference pattern into an optical reference pattern and a multiple image formation system converts the optical reference pattern to the other optical reference pattern. A pattern operation device produces an optical recall pattern by multiplying the optical correlation matrix pattern and the optical reference pattern. An inverse multiple image information system and a light receiving matrix convert the optical recall pattern into a corresponding electrical recall pattern, and the obtained electrical recall pattern is subjected to a thresholding operation.

Abstract: An opto-electric hybrid associative memory and corresponding storage and retrieval method employs a pair of spatial light modulators in tandem with polarization analyzer arrangements providing optical multiplication and employs multiple conversions between n.times.n matrices and n.sup.2 .times.n.sup.2 matrices, with the aid of a digital computer and a parallel analog processing circuit, to perform repetitive electrical correlation and conversion operations. Serial scanning of the optical patterns is avoided because the spatial light modulators employ photocathodes, microchannel plates and Pockels cells having back surfaces that are optically-reflective electrical-charge-storing surfaces of long retention capabilities. Repetitive cycling of reference patterns through the memory/method tend to restore missing portions of data.