Optical computing advances logically for image processing

A powerful application of optical computation, digital optical cellular image processing (DOCIP), is discussed. DOCIP uses digital optical computing techniques to perform cellular logic operations or extended array functions on images. Cellular logic is reviewed, and a binary image algebra (BlA) that serves as an analysis and synthesis tool for cellular image processing systems is described. Some DOCIP architectures that have been proposed or experimentally demonstrated are discussed and classified as image-algebra-type processors or symbolic-substitution-type processors. The optical and optoelectronic implementations of these architectures are also discussed. >