Patent ID: 6631199
Filing Date: 2003-10-07
Classification: A61B,G06K

Abstract:
A system for determining the identity of a pattern on an area, comprising:a. a light source other than a laser, having a predetermined spectral bandwidth for producing a collimated beam of light, b. a beam splitter for splitting said collimated beam of light into a plurality of beams, c. a modulating frequency source for modulating the frequency of one of said plurality of beams, d. a frequency shifter for shifting the frequency of said modulating frequency, e. a plurality of acousto-optic modulators for modulating the intensities of said respective plurality of beams, f. a plurality of crossed polarizers for polarizing said respective plurality of beams, g. a directional coupler for reflecting one of said beams to provide a reflected beam and redirecting said reflected beam, h. a beam scanner for causing one of said beams to scan across said area, i. an optical processor for processing the combined energies of said plurality of beams, and providing a data output, j. an electronic processor for processing said data output from said optical processor to provide processed data, and k. a data processor for processing said processed data from said electronic processor, l. said data processor containing a pattern recognition algorithm and previously stored data and arranged to compare said previously-stored data with said processed data from said electronic processor, m. said pattern recognition algorithm also arranged to provide an indication of the identity of said pattern based on its comparison of said previously-stored data with said processed data from said electronic processor.