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US4830472A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Processing unit to perform operation of images

Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics KK
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Filing: 1986-09-25
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Granted: 1989-05-16
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Expires: 2006-09-25
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Abstract

Abstract A processing unit performs an OR, NOR, NAND, AND, XOR, XOR, A+B, A·B, A+B, A·B, A, A, B, B, T or F operation using three spatial light modulators and selection means.

Inventors

  • 👤 Naohisa Mukouzaka

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-05 12:25
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F3/00

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim 184 words
A processing unit for performing an operation of images, comprising: first imaging means for storing a first image and outputting said first image or its inverted image in the form of a first optical signal; second imaging means for storing a second image and outputting said second image or its inverted image in the form of a second optical signal; selection means for selecting either said first image or said second image, said selection means receiving an input light beam and outputting an output beam having either a first or a second polarization, said output beam being directed to said first or second imaging means depending upon the polarization thereof; polarization determining means coupled to said selection means for determining the polarization of said output beam; and third imaging means for receiving said first optical signal when the output beam from said selection means has said first polarization and receiving said second optical signal when said output beam has said second polarization, said third imaging means storing said first or second optical signal thereby performing an OR operation of said first and second images.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 184 words
A processing unit for performing an operation of images, comprising: first imaging means for storing a first image and outputting said first image or its inverted image in the form of a first optical signal; second imaging means for storing a second image and outputting said second image or its inverted image in the form of a second optical signal; selection means for selecting either said first image or said second image, said selection means receiving an input light beam and outputting an output beam having either a first or a second polarization, said output beam being directed to said first or second imaging means depending upon the polarization thereof; polarization determining means coupled to said selection means for determining the polarization of said output beam; and third imaging means for receiving said first optical signal when the output beam from said selection means has said first polarization and receiving said second optical signal when said output beam has said second polarization, said third imaging means storing said first or second optical signal thereby performing an OR operation of said first and second images.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 26 words
A processing unit to perform an operation of images as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first, second and third imaging means are spatial light modulators.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 94 words
A processing unit to perform an operation of images as claimed in claim 1 wherein said selection means comprises a beam splitter and a halfwave plate, said halfwave plate receiving said input light beam and outputting either a P-polarized or S-polarized light beam to said beam splitter in accordance with a voltage applied thereto by said polarization determining means, the P-polarized beam being directed by said beam splitter to one of said first and second imaging means and said S-polarized light beam being directed to the other of said first and second imaging means.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US3566130A Cited
US4124278A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1992-05-15 1992-11-14 1993-05-16 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1996-05-15 1996-11-14 1997-05-16 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2000-05-15 2000-11-14 2001-05-16 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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