Optical correlation system

Invention provides optical correlation apparatus comprised of optical means producing a light image of the mailpiece including the address information, holographic filter means receiving the optical means light image and producing a filtered light image correlated to an address information reference pattern, detector means receiving the holographic filter means filtered light image and producing an output electronic signal which contains the degree of correlation of the mailpiece address information to the address information reference pattern, and signal processor means receiving the detector means output electronic signal and producing an address location signal based on a high degree of correlation of the mailpiece address information to the address information reference pattern.