Color object identification by monochromatic binary correlation

A real-time polychromatic image correlator that uses a magnetooptic (MO) spatial light modulator (SLM) device for pattern recognition based on both the color and shape of an input object is presented. The proposed system utilizes a multichannel spectral matched spatial filter employed in a binary coherent optical correlator. Input color images are transformed into binary color coded coherent images by a color grating. The color encoded images are read out by a charge coupled device interfaced with a MO SLM. The color encoded binary images are then processed by a multichannel joint spectral matched spatial filter synthesized by monochromatic light. Pattern recognition experiments for naturally illuminated real color objects are presented.