US5063602A — Image correlation calculation apparatus

Claim 1

Independent Claim 243 words

An image correlation calculation apparatus comprising: a multiplier for optically multiplying an image subjected to correlation calculations to form a plurality of optical pattern images of a substantially identical shape; a plurality of reference masks respectively having reference patterns subjected to correlation calculations with the optical pattern images, said reference masks being arranged at a position spaced apart by a predetermined distance from said plurality of optical pattern images in one-to-one correspondence therewith so that beams from all points of each optical pattern image are incident on all points of the corresponding reference pattern; a plurality of condenser lenses which are arranged to have parallel optical axes at a predetermined position in one-to-one correspondence with said reference masks for condensing the beams of each optical pattern image passing through said reference masks whereby an optical correlation calculation between said optical pattern image and said reference pattern can be performed instantaneously, said predetermined distance satisfying the inequality D<2d 1 {p/(1-p)} where d 1 is the distance from said multiplier to said optical pattern images and p is the ratio of the size of said optical pattern images to the size of the aperture of said condenser lenses; and photodetecting means for detecting the beams which are emitted from the plurality of condenser lenses, whereby an optical correlation calculation between said optical pattern image and said reference pattern is performed instantaneously without having to shift said reference masks with respect to the optical pattern image.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 243 words

An image correlation calculation apparatus comprising: a multiplier for optically multiplying an image subjected to correlation calculations to form a plurality of optical pattern images of a substantially identical shape; a plurality of reference masks respectively having reference patterns subjected to correlation calculations with the optical pattern images, said reference masks being arranged at a position spaced apart by a predetermined distance from said plurality of optical pattern images in one-to-one correspondence therewith so that beams from all points of each optical pattern image are incident on all points of the corresponding reference pattern; a plurality of condenser lenses which are arranged to have parallel optical axes at a predetermined position in one-to-one correspondence with said reference masks for condensing the beams of each optical pattern image passing through said reference masks whereby an optical correlation calculation between said optical pattern image and said reference pattern can be performed instantaneously, said predetermined distance satisfying the inequality D<2d 1 {p/(1-p)} where d 1 is the distance from said multiplier to said optical pattern images and p is the ratio of the size of said optical pattern images to the size of the aperture of said condenser lenses; and photodetecting means for detecting the beams which are emitted from the plurality of condenser lenses, whereby an optical correlation calculation between said optical pattern image and said reference pattern is performed instantaneously without having to shift said reference masks with respect to the optical pattern image.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 19 words

An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined distance falls within a range of 0.1 to 10 mm.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 19 words

An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined distance falls within a range of 0.3 to 5 mm.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 36 words

An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said various types of reference masks are constituted as fixed masks in which said various types of reference patterns are respectively predetermined patterns which cannot change to other patterns.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 109 words

An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said multiplier comprises: a projection lens located at a position spaced apart by a focal length thereof from a position of the image subjected to correlation calculation; and a plurality of image formation lenses which are arranged to have parallel optical axes at a position spaced apart by a distance required to form an image from the projection lens, and are formed in one-to-one correspondence with said various types of reference masks, said plurality of image formation lenses being adapted to form the plurality of optical pattern images of a substantially identical shape upon reception of collimated beams from said projection lens.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 35 words

An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said various types of reference masks are formed as a two-dimensional mask array on a common optical member in one-to-one correspondence with said plurality of optical pattern images.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 39 words

An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said photodetecting means comprises a plurality of photosensors in one-to-one correspondence with said plurality of condenser lenses so as to individually receive and detect the beams from said plurality of condenser lenses.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 37 words

An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said mask array is arranged in contact with said plurality of condenser lenses so that optical axes of said reference masks are respectively aligned with those of said condenser lenses.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 35 words

An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein light-receiving surface of said plurality of photosensors constituting said photodetecting means are located at a position of a rear-side focal point of said plurality of said condenser lenses.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 19 words

An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said plurality of photosensors constituting said photodetecting means comprise image sensors, respectively.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 38 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said multiplier has a focal length and wherein said predetermined distance is greater than said focal length so that the optical pattern images incident on said reference masks are out of focus.

Claim 13

Independent Claim 221 words

A method for image correlation calculation, comprising the steps of: passing an image subjected to correlation calculations through an optical multiplier, thereby optically multiplying said image to form a plurality of optical pattern images of a substantially identical shape; positioning a plurality of reference masks, respectively having reference patterns subjected to correlation calculations with the optical pattern images, at a position spaced apart by a predetermined distance from said plurality of optical pattern images in one-to-one correspondence therewith so that beams from all points of each optical pattern image are incident on all points of the corresponding reference pattern, whereby an optical correlation calculation between said optical pattern image and said reference pattern can be performed instantaneously; condensing the beams of each optical pattern image passing through said reference masks using a plurality of condenser lenses having an aperture, wherein said predetermined distance satisfies the inequality D<2d 1 {p/(1-p)} where d 1 is the distance from said optical multiplier to said optical pattern images and p is the ratio of the size of said optical pattern images to the size of said aperture; and detecting the beams which are condensed, whereby an optical correlation calculation between said optical pattern image and said reference pattern is performed instantaneously without having to shift said reference masks with respect to the optical pattern image.

Claim 14

Independent Claim 221 words

A method for image correlation calculation, comprising the steps of: passing an image subjected to correlation calculations through an optical multiplier, thereby optically multiplying said image to form a plurality of optical pattern images of a substantially identical shape; positioning a plurality of reference masks, respectively having reference patterns subjected to correlation calculations with the optical pattern images, at a position spaced apart by a predetermined distance from said plurality of optical pattern images in one-to-one correspondence therewith so that beams from all points of each optical pattern image are incident on all points of the corresponding reference pattern, whereby an optical correlation calculation between said optical pattern image and said reference pattern can be performed instantaneously; condensing the beams of each optical pattern image passing through said reference masks using a plurality of condenser lenses having an aperture, wherein said predetermined distance satisfies the inequality D<2d 1 {p/(1-p)} where d 1 is the distance from said optical multiplier to said optical pattern images and p is the ratio of the size of said optical pattern images to the size of said aperture; and detecting the beams which are condensed, whereby an optical correlation calculation between said optical pattern image and said reference pattern is performed instantaneously without having to shift said reference masks with respect to the optical pattern image.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1994-11-04	1995-05-06	1995-11-05	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1998-11-04	1999-05-06	1999-11-05	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2002-11-04	2003-05-06	2003-11-05	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Image correlation calculation apparatus

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