Patent ID: 7215826

Claim:
A method for converting three-dimensional streak tube imaging lidar (STIL) data to two-dimensional contrast and range maps thereof, comprising the steps of: providing STIL data associated with a turbid region wherein said STIL data can be reproduced as a three-dimensional image resolved into pixels; and processing a temporal portion of said STIL data for each of said pixels wherein each said temporal portion includes a Gaussian-like portion and non-Gaussian-like portions and wherein, for each of said pixels, said step of processing includes the steps of (i) removing noise from said temporal portion by (i) generating an exponential decay function using said non-Gaussian-like portions, and (ii) subtracting said exponential decay function from said Gaussian-like portion, wherein a filtered form of said Gaussian-like portion is formed, (ii) determining a non-integer center of mass of said filtered form of said Gaussian-like portion wherein said non-integer center of mass is indicative of a range value, and (iii) applying a mathematical interpolation function to determine amplitude of said filtered form of said Gaussian-like portion at said range value defined by said non-integer center of mass wherein said amplitude is indicative of a contrast value, wherein a range map is formed from a plurality of range values determined for said pixels, and wherein a contrast map is formed from a plurality of contrast values determined for said pixels.