High-resolution optical imaging system

Abstract

Current trends in the development of optical imaging systems are reviewed, along with the demands for future improvements in the areas of resolution, the range of coverage, narrowing individual wavebands, simultaneous imaging, stereoscopic color imaging, and shortening of imaging intervals. A method of high-resolution stereoscopic imaging utilizing wide-zone coverage and data compression is proposed. It is pointed out that a conceptual system would be an extension of the wide-zone imaging function provided by an aspherical optical system with multiple electronically switched CCDs mounted on the focal plane. The data compression is discussed in detail, and it is noted that with optical sensors incorporating multiple CCDs, the best results can be obtained by using the inter-line correlation as data for deriving forecast values. Future high-resolution intelligent imaging systems are discussed.