Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging method, including reconstructing a final image (IF) from intensity values inputted by a limited selection of photodetectors (2). One out of every two photodetectors is selected along columns (CDET) and rows (LDET). The final image has a resolution that is double that of a picture within the plane of the photodetectors. With identical resolution, the modulation transfer function is improved relative to an image that would be inputted while using all the photodetectors. Additionally, an image-sensing optical system that is used for an imaging method according to the invention can be of reduced size and weight, having constant resolution and constant modulation transfer functions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polychromatic imaging method, using a picture-taking instrument, which is placed on board an aircraft or satellite, which enables a reduction of the size of the instrument without reducing resolution of a final obtained image. To this end, a pupil of the instrument is sized for intermediate images that are limited to a first spectral sub-band without any image information being completely transmitted by the instrument for at least one wavelength that is located beyond said first spectral sub-band. Merging the intermediate image, inputted for the first spectral sub-band, with at least one other intermediate image, inputted for another spectral sub-band, recreates a polychromatic visual rendering that is satisfactory for the final image. Said other intermediate image includes the wavelength located beyond the first sub-band.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polychromatic imaging method, using a picture-taking instrument, which is placed on board an aircraft or satellite, which enables a reduction of the size of the instrument without reducing resolution of a final obtained image. To this end, a pupil of the instrument is sized for intermediate images that are limited to a first spectral sub-band without any image information being completely transmitted by the instrument for at least one wavelength that is located beyond said first spectral sub-band. Merging the intermediate image, inputted for the first spectral sub-band, with at least one other intermediate image, inputted for another spectral sub-band, recreates a polychromatic visual rendering that is satisfactory for the final image. Said other intermediate image includes the wavelength located beyond the first sub-band.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging method, including reconstructing a final image (IF) from intensity values inputted by a limited selection of photodetectors (2). One out of every two photodetectors is selected along columns (CDET) and rows (LDET). The final image has a resolution that is double that of a picture within the plane of the photodetectors. With identical resolution, the modulation transfer function is improved relative to an image that would be inputted while using all the photodetectors. Additionally, an image-sensing optical system that is used for an imaging method according to the invention can be of reduced size and weight, having constant resolution and constant modulation transfer functions.