This research develops a model-based spectral image reconstruction (MBSIR) algorithm to reconstruct images collected from the Advanced Electro-Optical System (AEOS) Spectral Imaging Sensor (ASIS). The development of the algorithm requires two key elements: 1. the statistics of the photon arrival and 2. estimates of the spatial and spectral transfer functions. With these two elements, the MBSIR algorithm can, through image postprocessing, dramatically increase the resolution of the images as well as give insight into the performance of the imaging sensor itself. The MBSIR algorithm is designed to simultaneously improve both the spatial and spectral resolution, and is derived for the general case of a spectrally variant imaging system. While MBSIR algorithms can be developed for any spectral imaging system, this research focuses on ASIS, a new spectral imaging sensor installed with the 3.6-m AEOS telescope at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex (MSSC). The primary purpose of ASIS is to take spatially resolved spectral images of space objects. The low-light levels and object motion inherent in imaging some objects in space, such as satellites, lead to a sensor design with less spectral resolution than required for image analysis. However, by applying MBSIR to the collected data, the sensor will be capable of achieving a higher resolution, allowing for better spectral analysis. The algorithm is shown to work with simulated ASIS data and measured data from an ASIS-like sensor.
Previous papers introduced a method for simultaneously improving the spatial and spectral resolution of spectral
images by developing a model of the spectral sensor and using this model in a statistical minimization algorithm.
This paper expands on the Model-Based Spectral Image Reconstruction (MBSIR) algorithm by analyzing the
lower bounds on the algorithm's performance. While the MBSIR algorithm improves both spatial and spectral
resolution, just the spectral bounds will be analyzed in this paper. This is a valid approach since the functions
describing the spatial and spectral blurring are separable.
Two lower bounds will be analyzed. The first is the lower bound on spectral resolution and the second is on
the spectral accuracy. The spectral resolution lower bound analyzes the improvement the MBSIR algorithm can
achieve in resolving two closely spaced spectral features. The spectral accuracy lower bound analyzes the ability
of the MBSIR algorithm to reconstruct a spectral feature at the correct location.
The sensor model used for this analysis is the AEOS Spectral Imaging Sensor (ASIS). ASIS is located at the
Maui Space Surveillance Complex (MSSC) and is used to collect spectral images of space objects. Since all of
the objects that ASIS images are non-stationary, the bounds can be used to determine a filter sampling that
balances imaging time and image enhancement through the development of a Spectral Reconstruction Capability
Metric (SRCM).
The SRCM is important for the operation of ASIS. ASIS collects one spectral image at a time to create the
spectral image cube. Since ASIS is intended to image space objects that are in orbit, delays in collecting the
entire spectral image cube could result in an orientation change in the object. The orientation change could
prevent the MBSIR algorithm from working on the data. The SRCM provides a method for determining the
optical collection parameters to minimize object motion while maintain algorithm performance. The SRCM also
allows for a way to compare different parameters to determine the spectral imaging sensor design that best take
advantage of the MBSIR algorithm.
This research continues the development of the Model-Based Spectral Image Deconvolution (MBSID) algorithm first presented elsewhere. The deconvolution algorithm is based on statistical estimation and is used to spectrally deconvolve images collected from a spectral imaging sensor. The development of the algorithm requires only two key elements, 1) the statistics of the photon arrival and 2) an in-depth knowledge of the spectral imaging sensor. With these two elements, the MBSID algorithm can, through image post-processing, increase the spectral resolution of the images. While MBSID algorithms can be developed for any spectral imaging system, this research focuses on an algorithm developed for ASIS (AEOS Spectral Imaging Sensor), a new spectral imaging sensor installed with the 3.6m Advanced Electro-Optical System (AEOS) telescope at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex (MSSC). The primary purpose of ASIS is to take spatially resolved spectral images of space objects. The stringent requirements associated with imaging these objects, especially the low-light levels and object motion, required a sensor design with less spectral resolution than required for image analysis. However, by applying MBSID to the collected data, the sensor will be capable of achieving a much higher spectral resolution, allowing for better spectral analysis of the space object. Before the algorithm is used on data collected with ASIS, it is proven with data collected using a set-up similar to that of ASIS. The lab data successfully shows that the MBSID algorithm can improve both the spatial and spectral resolution for a collected spectral image.
This research develops a Model-based Spectral Image Deconvolution
(MBSID) algorithm based on statistical estimation to spectrally
deconvolve images collected from a spectral imaging sensor. The
development of the algorithm requires only two key elements, 1) the
statistics of the light arrival and 2) an in-depth knowledge of the
spectral imaging sensor. With these two elements, the MBSID
algorithm can, through image post-processing, dramatically increase
the spectral resolution of the images as well as give insight into
the performance of the imaging sensor itself. While MBSID algorithms
can be developed for any spectral imaging system, for this research
an algorithm is developed for ASIS (AEOS Spectral Imaging Sensor), a
new spectral imaging sensor installed with the 3.6m Advanced
Electro-Optical System (AEOS) telescope at the Maui Space
Surveillance Complex (MSSC). The primary purpose of ASIS is to take
spatial and spectral images of space objects. The stringent
requirements associated with imaging these objects, especially the
low-light levels and object motion, required a sensor design with
less spectral resolution than required for image analysis. However,
by applying MBSID to the collected data, the sensor will be capable
of achieving a much higher spectral resolution, allowing for better
spectral analysis of the space object.
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