Optical multiplexing and overlaid subpixel processing

A method for forming images, the method comprising:

• acquiring, with an imaging system, a plurality of raw images including a first image, a second image, and a third image;
• generating, from the plurality of raw images, an enhanced-resolution image encompassing a plurality of fields of view,
• the imaging system comprising:
• an image multiplexer;
• an imaging lens;
• a coded mask;
• an array detector comprising an array of pixels;
• and
• a processing circuit,
• the imaging lens and the image multiplexer being configured to superimpose the plurality of fields of view onto the array detector,
• the image multiplexer being controllable to shift each field of view by a respective image offset,
• the coded mask being controllable to shade each of the pixels with a respective individual mask pattern,
• the acquiring the plurality of raw images comprising:
• in a first operation:
• controlling the image multiplexer to produce a first combination of image offsets,
• controlling the coded mask to shade a first pixel of the array of pixels with a first individual mask pattern,
• acquiring, from the array detector, a first image with the first combination of image offsets, and with the first individual mask pattern shading the first pixel;
• in a second operation:
• controlling the image multiplexer to produce a second combination of image offsets,
• controlling the coded mask to shade the first pixel with the first individual mask pattern,
• acquiring, from the array detector, a second image with the second combination of image offsets, and with the first individual mask pattern shading the first pixel;
• and
• in a third operation:
• controlling the image multiplexer to produce the first combination of image offsets,
• controlling the coded mask to shade the first pixel with a second individual mask pattern,
• acquiring, from the array detector, a third image with the first combination of image offsets, and with the second individual mask pattern shading the first pixel.

A method for forming images using an imaging system having an image multiplexer, an imaging lens, a coded mask, an array detector with an array of pixels, and a processing circuit, the method comprising:

• acquiring, with the imaging system, a plurality of raw images including a first image, a second image, and a third image;
• generating, from the plurality of raw images, an enhanced-resolution image encompassing a plurality of fields of view;
• superimposing, using the imaging lens and the image multiplexer, the plurality of fields of view onto the array detector;
• using the processing circuit, controlling the image multiplexer to shift each field of view by a respective image offset;
• using the processing circuit, controlling the coded mask to shade each of the pixels with a respective individual mask pattern;
• and
• using the processing circuit, generating, from the first image, the second image, and the third image, the enhanced-resolution image encompassing the plurality of fields of view.