Method and system for processing images from a remote image detector
AssigneeMicro Biz Ventures LLC
InventorRichard C. Puetter
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and system for enhancing spatial resolution of an image of an object includes using an image detector with a sensor array of pixels configured for extended dynamic range detection. Multiple image sample are collected to assemble a stack of image samples and input into an image processor for processing using an image reconstruction engine to generate a single output image from the stack. In a preferred embodiment, the image reconstruction engine executes the Pixon method for image reconstruction.
Claims20
A method for enhancing spatial resolution of an image of an object detected by an image detector located remotely from the object, wherein one of the object and the image detector moves relative to the other, the method comprising:
- providing within the image detector a sensor comprising an array of pixels at least a portion of which are smaller than a diffraction limit, wherein each smaller pixel of the portion of smaller pixels subtends an angle
- θ
- pixel
- =
- 1.2
-
- λ
- N
- ·
- D
- ,
- where λ is a wavelength used to acquire the image, D is a diameter of imaging optics within the image detector, and N is an oversampling of a diffraction pattern and is greater than 1;
- collecting multiple image samples;
- assembling a stack of image samples;
- inputting the stack of image samples into an image processor;
- processing the stack of images using an image reconstruction engine;
- and
- generating an output image.
An image processing system for enhancing spatial resolution of an image of an object, the system comprising:
- an image detector, wherein one of the object and the image detector is remotely located and moves relative to the other;
- a sensor disposed within the image detector, the sensor comprising an array of pixels configured for collecting image samples, wherein at least a portion of the array of pixels are smaller than a diffraction limit, wherein each smaller pixel of the portion of smaller pixels subtends an angle
- θ
- pixel
- =
- 1.2
-
- λ
- N
- ·
- D
- ,
- where λ is a wavelength used to acquire the image, D is a diameter of imaging optics within the image detector, and N is an oversampling of a diffraction pattern and is greater than 1;
- a storage medium configured for accumulating multiple image samples to assemble a stack of image samples;
- an image processor configured for receiving the stack of image samples and processing the stack of image samples using an image reconstruction algorithm to produce an improved image;
- and
- a display device for displaying the improved image.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.