A Real-Time Hybrid Optical System for Pattern Recognition Applications

A description of a coherent optical processor which utilizes matched spatial filters in order to do pattern recognition is presented. The processor has been interfaced to a PDP-11-40 computer which controls the input film drive, the filter stage stepper motors, digitizes, and stores data and is used for data analysis. On-line to the computer are various peripherals including: a DEC-writer, a storage scope, a plotter, and a display terminal. As an example of a pattern recognition problem, we discuss the application of the system to the identification of biological specimens.