Synthetic Aperture

Synthetic aperture (SA) techniques aim to overcome limitations of single-view imaging, particularly occlusion, by computationally synthesizing a larger effective aperture from multiple viewpoints. Current research focuses on optimizing SA data acquisition and processing, employing machine learning for improved image reconstruction and efficient sampling strategies (e.g., using drone swarms or event cameras), and integrating SA data with other imaging modalities (e.g., multispectral or thermal) for enhanced target detection. These advancements significantly improve the ability to "see through" occlusions in various applications, such as search and rescue, wildlife monitoring, and anomaly detection, particularly in challenging environments like dense forests.