摘要 |
A method and system for limiting the amount of image data to be captured by a scanning imaging array. A low-resolution preliminary image of an object is acquired. Data from the preliminary image is used to identify features of interest in the object or to perform other image analyses that do not require a high-resolution image. Thereafter a scanning imaging array may be used to acquire a high-resolution image of only limited areas of the object including the features of interest or of only limited object characteristics. In one embodiment, the preliminary image is acquired using a separate, linear scanning array extending laterally with respect to the scan direction of the scanning imaging array. In another embodiment, an under sampled portion of the imaging elements of the scanning imaging array, or detectors thereof, is used to pre-scan the object to produce the low-resolution preliminary image. In a third embodiment, the preliminary image is acquired using a single-axis, low-resolution imaging system to produce the low-resolution image. The data acquired from these embodiments may then be used to limit the high-resolution image data acquired from the scanning imaging array spatially in the scan or longitudinal direction, in the lateral direction, or in both the longitudinal and lateral directions, to areas of the object including features of interest. It may also be used to identify color, control the gain of array elements or perform other analyses.
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