Direct PSF estimation using a random noise target

Conventional point spread function (PSF) measurement methods often use parametric models for the estimation of the PSF. This limits the shape of the PSF to a specific form provided by the model. However, there are unconventional imaging systems like multispectral cameras with optical bandpass filters, which produce an, e.g., unsymmetric PSF. To estimate such PSFs we have developed a new measurement method utilizing a random noise test target with markers: After acquisition of this target, a synthetic prototype of the test target is geometrically transformed to match the acquired image with respect to its geometric alignment. This allows us to estimate the PSF by direct comparison between prototype and image. The noise target allows us to evaluate all frequencies due to the approximately “white” spectrum of the test target – we are not limited to a specifically shaped PSF. The registration of the prototype pattern gives us the opportunity to take the specific spectrum into account and not just a “white” spectrum, which might be a weak assumption in small image regions. Based on the PSF measurement, we perform a deconvolution. We present comprehensive results for the PSF estimation using our multispectral camera and provide deconvolution results.