Application Of Binary Phase-Only Filters To Machine Vision

Recent advances, including binary phase-only filters (BPOF) implemented with suitable real-time devices, have enhanced the potential of coherent optical correlation for pattern and object recognition and object location functions which are important in machine vision applications. Hybrid (optical/electronic) systems performing complex vision operations such as recognition, location, and discrimination at attractive rates are portended by these developments. Laboratory systems have demonstrated attractive real-time performance including good agreement with computer models and the application of "smart filter" techniques to improve the distortion invariance of individual filters. Improved smart filter formulations are under development. These combined with high correlation throughput define the high potential of BPOF correlation systems for this type application.