Scientists have developed a technology that can remove pesky reflections from photos taken by a camera.
Researchers have been working on a number of techniques including post-processing for removing reflections from photographs shot through glass. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a camera that can remove these reflections.
The scientists investigated a principle called "Fourier transform," which is a signal processing phenomenon that breaks down separate frequencies within a signal. The research team used a modified version of the Microsoft Kinect One camera for the study.
Ayush Bhandari, a doctoral student in the MIT Media Lab and the first author of the paper, says that it is not physically possible to make a camera that can differentiate between reflections. Theoretically, the camera should operate at the speed of light for picking required frequencies. In practice, however, Bhandari says this is "technically impossible." This is the reason why the team used the principle of Fourier transform.
For the study, the researchers took an image from the camera and separated its 45 frequencies, which included signals showing the flash's light hitting nearby objects and those that are farther away. This experiment caused the frequencies to reach the camera's sensor at slightly different times.
The research team then effectively distinguished between the signals they wanted to keep and the ones they wanted to discard. The experiment involved the image of a mannequin head, which was pleasantly lit. The scientists were able to eliminate the frequencies that produced window flares.
"What is remarkable about this work is the mixture of advanced mathematical concepts, such as sampling theory and phase retrieval, with real engineering achievements," says Laurent Daudet, a professor of physics at Paris Diderot University.
Many people think that experiments need research-grade lab equipment, which can be very expensive for normal people. However, Daudet says that he liked the experiment as the research team used a modified version of a consumer product - a Microsoft Kinect One camera - for producing untangled images.
The camera is a motion-sensing input device for Microsoft Xbox 360 and Xbox One gaming consoles, and is available for $99.99.
Millions of people across the world take photos for capturing precious moments. However, reflections in images are annoying and disappoint many photographers. Scientists say that the technology is a cool development, which will definitely help the photography industry. However, the technology can also prove valuable for improving laser and ultrasound technologies, which are often used in the field of explosive detection.
Photo: Alan Levine | Flickr
