Coherent optical correlation: A new method of cranial comparison

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Abstract
In this paper an analog method known as coherent optical correlation is used to compare photographs of cercopithecine monkey skulls. Each comparison yields a measure of overall similarity in three‐dimensional shape because the photographs are coded to preserve depth information. The coding system involves projecting an array of circular dots onto each specimen with an ordinary 35‐mm slide projector. Photographs of the array taken from one side of the projector make ideal inputs for optical correlation analysis. Preliminary results indicate a reasonable ability to discriminate between different cercopithecine monkey skulls. This finding encourages further development of the proposed method as a shape investigation tool. Possibilities for application exist in many skeletal and somatological problems of form.