Realization of Mathematical Morphology Operations with an Optoelectronic Demonstrator System for Early Image Processing

摘要

Mathematical morphology and parallel digital logic operations are approaches to early image processing. Usually they are either implemented as software for electronic computers or as optical correlators based on spatial light modulators (SLM). However, both methods are relatively slow and are acceptable for real time processing but not for high speed processing. We present progress on a novel optoelectronic system to perform mathematical morphological operations on discrete binary images. The processing plane consists of an array of differential optoelectronic transceivers. As structuring element we use a diffractive optical fan-in element. The functionality of the system is controlled by an array of bias signals generated with a VCSEL combined with a diffractive beam array generator. With this compact photonic system we take the first step towards a proof-of-principle of morphological operations such as dilation and erosion.