Optically enhanced digital imaging system

Abstract

Improved methods and systems for imaging are provided. Specifically, systems and methods for extending the range of a digital zoom are provided in which an imaging system provides continuous magnification over a plurality of interleaved optical pathways and digital zooming imagers. Systems and methods of centering an image as the field of view changes, and for masking out undesirable obstacles from a magnified image are also provided.

1 . An imaging system having a range-extended digital zoom, comprising: 
 a first optical path which projects a first image upon a first digital imager at a first magnification; and    a second optical path which projects a second image upon a second digital imager at a second magnification;    wherein the system is configured to digitally zoom the first image between the first magnification and the second magnification using said first optical path, and to digitally zoom the second image between the second magnification and a third magnification using the second optical path.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a display which presents at least one magnified image for viewing.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , configured such that an end-user can continuously zoom within and between each magnified image through a continuous traversal of interleaved levels of digital magnification and optical paths.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , configured to center each magnified image upon a specified target or location.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second imagers comprise different logical elements within the same physical device.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more electronic components, each configured to store data regarding its physical properties.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each electronic component is configured to store data, the data type selected from the group consisting of the component's abnormalities, usage, settings and calibration.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic components are selected from the group consisting of one or more of: 
 (a) an optical lens;    (b) a source of illumination;    (c) a digital imager;    (d) an array of light emitting diodes;    (e) a communications hub;    (f) a motor;    (g) a processor;    (h) a mechanical mount; and    (g) a beam splitter, waveguide, refractor, or other optical component.    
   
   
       9 . A method of providing continuous magnification within an imaging system over an extended zoom range, the method comprising the following steps: 
 presenting a first image that has been magnified by way of a first image path;    digitally zooming within the first image within a range bounded by a first magnification provided in the first image path and a second magnification provided in a second image path; and    when the digitally zoomed first image meets or exceeds the second magnification, presenting a second image that has been magnified by way of the second image path.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of digitally zooming within the second image within a range bounded by the second magnification and a third magnification provided in a third image path.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first image and the second image are presented simultaneously.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of presenting multiple images at the same or various levels of magnification.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the magnification of the first and the second images is controllable by an end-user.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein presenting an image comprises displaying the image to an end-user, outputting data describing the image to a computer system, or storing data describing the image for subsequent use.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of centering each magnified image upon a specified target or location.  
   
   
       16 . A method of virtually removing obstructions in an image comprising the following steps: 
 recording a first image of a background and an obstruction at a first point in time To;    recording a second image of the background and the obstruction at a second point in time T 1 ; and    if the obstruction or background has shifted between time T 0  and time T 1  such that different portions of the background have been revealed, creating a composite image by replacing each portion of the obstruction with a corresponding portion of background revealed during either T 0  or T 1 .    
   
   
       17 . A digital image editing system configured to virtually remove obstructions from an image by performing the following steps: 
 recording a first image of a background and an obstruction at a first point in time T 0 ;    recording a second image of the background and the obstruction at a second point in time T 1 ; and    if the obstruction or background has shifted between time T 0  and time T 1  such that different portions of the background have been revealed, creating a composite image by replacing each portion of the obstruction with a corresponding portion of background revealed during either T 0  or T 1 .    
   
   
       18 . A digitally zooming microscope, comprising: 
 a light source for illuminating an object to be imaged;    a first optical path which projects an image of the object upon a first digital imager at a first optical magnification;    a second optical path which projects another image of the object upon a second digital imager at a second optical magnification; and    a display for showing one or more magnified images;    wherein the microscope is configured to digitally zoom in and out on the object between the first magnification and the second magnification using said first optical path, and to digitally zoom in and out on the object between the second magnification and a third magnification using the second optical path.    
   
   
       19 . A digital optical probe system comprising: 
 a probe;    a stage; and    an imaging system containing at least two optical paths, the imaging system configured to provide continuous zooming within magnified images of an object placed upon the stage through a traversal of interleaved levels of digital magnification and optical paths.    
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each optical path creates a different power of magnification for each image.