A method of digitally processing light waves passing through a planar structure having given functions ƒin(x, y, ω) and ƒout(x, y, ω) and consisting of a light-propagating and distributing layer is provided. This layer contains a plurality of interconnecting pattern elements of a holographic pattern and a plurality of planar optical elements arranged in a predetermined pattern on the aforementioned light-propagating and distributing layer. The method consists of calculating positions and shapes of the interconnecting pattern elements of the holographic pattern based on the aforementioned given functions by solving an inverse problem. The interconnecting pattern elements have refractive indices different from the refractive indices of the light-propagating and distributing layer and are manufactured on the basis of the results of the calculations. The aforementioned continuous function is digitized, and the obtained digitized planar holographic pattern is used for converting the function ƒin(x, y, ω) into the function ƒout(x, y, ω).