Abstract

This paper is based on the claim that future major contributions in the field of imaging systems will be made by those who have a background in both optics and digital signal processing. As the introduction of Fourier transforms and linear systems theory to optics had a major impact on the design of hybrid optical/digital imaging systems, the introduction of digital signal processing into optics programs will have a major impact. Examples are given of new hybrid imaging systems that have unique performance. By jointly designing the optics and the signal processing in a digital camera, a new paradigm arises where aberration balancing takes into consideration not only the number of surfaces and indices of refraction, but also the processing capability.

© 2000 SPIE