Patent ID: 6055086
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: G02B,G06E,G06K

Abstract:
A method in an optical correlation system of correlating an input image with an optical filter, comprising:providing a filter modulator which includes (a) a spatial light modulator, and (b) an electrically-actuated polarization apparatus;defining a preselected number of optical transforms available from said filter modulator for a plurality of differing polarization states of said electrically-actuated polarization apparatus;impressing said input image upon a light beam utilizing an input modulator;decomposing said input image into its frequency components;supplying said frequency components to an input plane of said filter modulator;providing a processor for operation of said filter modulator;providing an optical processing objective to said processor;utilizing said processor to successively examine said preselected number of optical transforms and select a particular one of said preselected number of optical transforms which best satisfies said optical processing objective;utilizing said processor to provide commands to said electrically-actuated polarization apparatus in order to cause said filter modulator to provide said particular one of said preselected number of optical transforms;filtering said light beam with said filter modulator; and detecting and monitoring a correlation indicator.