PROGRESS IN ANALOG IMAGE PROCESSING

Abstract

Image formation is a major area of Optical Sciences Center research. Parallel studies are progressing on analog and digital image processing techniques. This report describes the current progress in the analog apparatus and research. By February, 1968, the mechanical assembly of the system had been completed. The optics were prepared and coated; beam splitters were fabricated and assembled. The electronics package was debugged and all elements were readied for initial tests. These tests were designed to provide systematic checkout and image restoration indications. The approach taken thus far is to optimize the system and study the broad aspects of signal -to -noise ratios that can be achieved with the analog method. It can be seen that, while analog may be faster and less expensive, it is less flexible than a digital approach. The description of mask making leads one to realize that refinements of the analog method are extensive. The balanced system must be achieved for proper gains in image processing. No firm conclusions are drawn in this report. Activity in image processing will continue throughout FY 69. The indication from these experiments, however, is that there is insufficient signal -to -noise ratio in the material shown in Fig. 5 to permit much objective improvement in image quality before excessive grain modulation occurs. The question of whether the subjective improvement is useful in a practical sense has not yet been addressed.