Image restoration technique for motion-compensated frame averaged data collected by 3D flash ladar imaging system

Abstract

A new image restoration algorithm is proposed to remove the effect of atmospheric turbulence on motioncompensated frame averaged data collected by a three dimensional FLASH Laser Radar (LADAR) imaging system. The algorithm simultaneously arrives at an enhanced image as well as Fried's seeing parameter through an Expectation Maximization (EM) technique. Unlike blind deconvolution algorithms that operate only on two dimensional images, this technique accounts for both the spatial and temporal mixing that is caused by the atmosphere through which the system is imaging. Additionally, due to the over-determined nature of this problem, the point-spread function parameterized by Fried's seeing parameter can be deduced without the requirement for additional assumptions or constraints. The utility of the approach lies in its application to laser illuminated imaging where processing time is important.