Automatic pattern recognition apparatus

• US 4,612,666 A
• Filed: 07/05/1984
• Issued: 09/16/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 07/05/1984
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: the united states of america as represented by the secretary of the navy
• Original Assignee: the united states of america as represented by the secretary of the navy
• Inventors: King, William J.
• Primary Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Application Number:
  US06/627,939
• Time in Patent Office: 803 Days
• Field of Search: 382/32, 382/31, 356/394
• US Class Current: 382/214
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 10/88 Image or video recognition using optical means, e.g. reference filters, holographic masks, frequency domain filters or spatial domain filters

Abstract

A pattern recognition apparatus makes use of both optical templation and nal correlation techniques by using liquid crystal panels, CCD type cameras, video storage techniques, inter alia, to detect and identify electronic signal patterns transmitted thereto. The apparatus is also configured to detect pattern changes and image object movement.

Claims

1. An automatic pattern recognition apparatus for detecting and identifying electronic signal patterns transmitted thereto comprising:

a first light source module being configured to convert a video signal to a corresponding optical image;

a first display module operatively connected to said first light source, said first display module being configured so as to imprint information of shades of gray, polarization and color on the optical image passing therethrough from said first light source;

a second display module;

a first optics module operatively connected between said first display module and said second display module, said first optics module being configured so as to direct the optical image passing therethrough to said second display module, and said second display module being configured so as to imprint information of shades of gray, polarization and color on the optical image passing therethrough;

a camera module; and

a second optics module operatively connected between said second display module and said camera module, said second optics module being configured so as to direct the optical image passing therethrough to said camera module, and said camera module being configured so as to detect the presence of the optical image thereat and convert it to a corresponding video signal.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a processor module operatively connected to said camera module, said processor module being configured so as to analyze data from said camera module and to make decisions based thereon;

a synchronization module operatively connected to said light source module and said processor module, said synchronization module being configured so as to generate signals to coordinate the timing of the electrical and optical signals therein; and

a video memory operatively connected to said first and second display modules and said camera module, said video memory module being configured so as to store video pattern templates therein, and being configured so that on command from said processor module, appropriate patterns, with image correction, can be recalled and transmitted to said first and second display modules.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said light source module, said first display module, said second display module, said second optics module and said camera module are configured so as to be packaged and optically aligned together.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said light source module comprises:

a plurality of light emitting devices;

electronic circuitry operatively connected to said plurality of light emitting devices and to said synchronization module, said electronic circuit being configured to use the signals from said synchronization module so as to control each one of said plurality of light emitting devices in timing and in brightness level;

optics for collimating the light from said plurality of light emitting devices;

a flat transparent surface disposed adjacent to said optics; and

alignment devices being operatively affixed to said light source module so as to allow said flat transparent surface thereof to be aligned firmly against said first display module.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said first display module comprises:

an array of picture elements;

second electronic circuitry operatively connected to said array of picture elements and to said video memory module, said second electronic circuitry being configured so as to translate the video signals from said video memory module into pictorial images on said array of picture elements, said array of picture elements imprinting information of shades of gray, polarization, and color on light passing therethrough;

a first transparent surface operatively affixed to said array of picture elements on a first side thereof;

a second flat transparent surface operatively affixed to the other side of said array of picture elements;

first alignment devices being operatively affixed to said first display module so as to allow said first flat transparent surface to be aligned firmly against said flat transparent surface of said light source module; and

second alignment devices being operatively affixed to said first display module so as to allow said second flat transparent surface to be aligned firmly against said first optics module.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said first optics module comprises:

a first flat transparent surface operatively aligned firmly against said second flat transparent surface of said first display module;

a second flat transparent surface;

an optical transmission line operatively affixed between said first and second transparent surfaces;

first alignment devices operatively affixed to said first optics module so as to allow said first flat transparent surface to be aligned firmly against said second flat transparent surface of said first display module; and

second alignment devices operatively affixed to said first optics module so as to allow said second flat transparent surface to be aligned firmly against said second display module.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said second display module comprises:

an array of picture elements;

second electronic circuitry operatively connected to said array of picture elements and to said video memory module, said second electronic circuitry being configured so as to translate the video signals from said video memory module into pictorial images on said array of picture elements, said array of picture elements imprinting information of shades of gray, polarization, and color on light passing therethrough;

a first flat transparent surface operatively affixed to said array of picture elements on a first side thereof;

a second flat transparent surface operatively affixed to the other side of said array of picture elements;

first alignment devices being operatively affixed to said first display module so as to allow said first flat transparent surface to be aligned firmly against said flat transparent surface of said light source module; and

second alignment devices being operatively affixed to said first display module so as to allow said second flat transparent surface to be aligned firmly against said second optics module.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said second optics module comprises:

a first flat transparent surface operatively aligned firmly against said second flat transparent surface of said second display module;

a second flat transparent surface;

an optical transmission line operatively affixed between said first and second transparent surfaces;

first alignment devices operatively affixed to said first optics module so as to allow said first flat transparent surface to be aligned firmly against said second flat transparent surface of said second display module; and

second alignment devices operatively affixed to said second optics module so as to allow said second flat transparent surface to be aligned firmly against said camera module.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said camera module comprises:

a flat transparent surface;

alignment devices being operatively affixed to said camera module so as to allow said flat transparent surface thereof to be aligned firmly against said second flat transparent surface of said second optics module;

photosensitive devices;

optics operatively connected between said flat transparent surface and said photosensitive devices; and

electronic circuitry operatively connected to said photosensitive devices and to said video memory module so as to detect the present of the optical image at said photosensitive devices.