Electronic Imaging

Theoretical and experimental research was proposed on topics of strategic importance in electronic imaging with an emphasis on problems of basic research significance which also have relevance to novel systems for imaging. automatic pattern recognition, and remote sensing. Our goal has been to make contributions in imaging science that will lead to a better understanding of hybrid systems combining optical imaging, photosensors, and digital computers for signal processing. In the statement of work we had proposed research on three related topics. First, we proposed to study the controlled blurring caused by an idealized point spread function, i.e. the random walk or speckle like psf. This novel method for controlled blurring appears to be useful in secure transmission and in image compression and this psf has many interesting mathematical properties that we have investigated. Secondly, we proposed a study of image recovery in the Fresnel zone incoherent case when the imaging system is misfocused. We applied modern coherence theory together with current computer science techniques in order to obtain optimal recovery and, as well, to establish theoretical limits on the image quality of the restoration. In this research we also established an operator independent method for the identification of the focusing errors. For the third topic, we had intended to continue with the remote sensing of particulates to include extension of the inversion theory formulated in 1990-1991 to the case of moving aerosols. Unfortunately, work in this area has not progressed as we had hoped, yet future plans remain to include the use of variable wavelength as a tool in particulate diagnostics.