The combined use of digital computers and coherent optics in image processing

Many image processing problems, including the restoration of atmospherically degraded images, can be benefited by the combined use of digital computers and coherent optical equipment, preferably in real time. Various questions then arise: What types of operations can better be done on a digital computer than by coherent optics, and vice versa? How can one transfer data quickly between a digital computer and coherent optical equipment? In this paper, we first briefly review and then compare digital computer and coherent optical image processing techniques to indicate their relative merits and faults. Then, we propose schemes for data transfer between digital computers and coherent optical equipment, and discuss the hardware available for carrying out these schemes. Finally, we look into the future and describe some desirable features of large image processing centers.