Patent ID: 8305480

Claim:
A method for numerical image formation and for refinement from overlapping measurement vignettes captured by an image sensor array with associated micro-optical arrangements, the image sensor creating a plurality of light detection signals responsive to a plurality optically vignetted portions of an incoming light field associated with an observed scene, the method comprising: using a multiplexing arrangement for gathering said light detection signals into a stream of measurement values; using a numerical image formation algorithm comprises at least linear mathematical transformations on the measurements values; using a processor for receiving the stream of measurement values, the processor executing the numerical image formation algorithm on the stream of measurement values to produce at least one synthesized digital image; and producing an output for transferring said at least one synthesized digital image to an external system, wherein the numerical image formation algorithm comprises linear mathematical transformations performed on the measurements values to produce a visual image that is responsive to the incoming light field that is associated with an observed scene and further provides synthetically variation of the aperture size used in the image formation algorithms.