IMAGE PROCESSOR USING A MOMENT GENERATOR

In a robotics system, an image processor may use a moment generator in the identification of an object. Image signals may be provided by an image source such as a TV camera. Synchronizing signals may be extracted from the image signals and together with the image may be used to modify the image signals. Either modified or unmodified image signals may thereafter be processed. Further, the synchronization signals together with moment select signals may be supplied to a moment generator logic array which, in turn, is arranged to provide iterative control signals responsive to which the moment generator may iteratively and recursively generate moments in an orderly, time efficient manner. For example, in one embodiment, p-values (p=x.sup.i y.sup.j) may be iteratively and recursively generated (using stuffing) and combined (using a logic AND) with the image signals a(x,y) being processed to further generate ##EQU1## values, which F.sub.k -values may be combined (using shifting and addition) to generate a specific moment ##EQU2## which moment to be generated is identified responsive to the moment select signals. Further, the moment generator is adapted to concurrently generate the moments for each of a plurality of regions of the TV picture.