Image formation challenges in the MOSAIC platform

The DARPA MOSAIC program applies multiscale optical design (shared objective lens and parallel array of microcameras) to the acquisition of high pixel count images. Interestingly, these images present as many challenges as opportunities. The imagery is acquired over many slightly overlapping fields with diverse focal, exposure and temporal parameters. Estimation of a consensus image, display of imagery at human-comprehensible resolutions, automated anomaly detection to guide viewer attention, and power management in a distributed electronic environment are just a few of the novel challenges that arise. This talk describes some of these challenges and presents progress to date.