01/10/06

A software improves all major image quality factors

Almalence Incorporated announces PhotoAcute Studio 2.0 - the breakthrough software product that enhances digital photos quality
PhotoAcute Studio processes sets of images taken in continuous mode. It utilizes superresolution algorithms to convert a sequence of photos into a single high-resolution and low-noise picture that could only be taken with much better camera.
PhotoAcute Studio improves all major image quality factors. The features at a glance are:
  • Spatial resolution increase
  • Noise reduction without losing image details
  • Dynamic range expansion
  • Geometry distortions and vignetting correction
  • Chromatic aberrations correction
PhotoAcute Studio operates for various camera and image types - from mobile cameras to DSLR cameras supporting RAW format and 16-bit color. The greatest leap in quality is achieved on RAW photos taken with DSLR cameras that gives the professional photographers an essential use.
The spatial resolution is one of the most important factors of digital image quality. It is limited by camera's matrix and lens, but this limit can be exceeded by means of superresolution - the method of enhancing the resolution of an image or of an optical system. This can be done by either acquiring more graphic information (e.g. taking and merging several images of the same object) or by reconstructing the details lost due to the faultiness of the optical system (applying the knowledge of the optical system properties). PhotoAcute Studio uses both ways to achieve the maximum image quality. The laboratory measurements of the widely accepted MTF50 parameter, performed with Canon 300D camera, show the doubling of the effective resolution.
The superresolution technology is used in supercomputer data processing in the industries such as satellite imaging and astronomy. Almalence engineers developed new mathematical methods of superresolution processing and implemented them within the software application for personal computers, making this powerful technology available for photographers.
The noise is the most undesirable factor that degrades image quality. The main problem of the noise reduction is the loss of image details. This becomes mostly apparent in the low light areas of the image, where the noise reduction removes both the noise and the details. PhotoAcute Studio combines several photos of the same scene, separating the useful signal and the noise, thus providing strong noise reduction without losing the image details.
Besides resolution enhancement and noise reduction, PhotoAcute Studio corrects common image artifacts: geometry distortions, chromatic aberrations and vignetting. By merging several images taken at different exposures, PhotoAcute Studio expands the dynamic range of the resultant image, revealing the details usually clipped in the highlights and the shadows.
All these features virtually improve the whole camera from matrix to lens, providing the possibility of taking better images even for those who use advanced and professional cameras.
PhotoAcute Studio is useful for wide range of photographers, who are interested in taking high quality images. Professional photographers, for whom the image quality is essential, will find it a good tool for achieving the best results in their work. For amateur photographers this product will be an add-on to their cameras, providing better images without changing the camera itself.
PhotoAcute Studio is Windows based application. The version for Macintosh is to be released in 2007Q1.
Detailed description of PhotoAcute Studio features, online help and examples gallery are available at http://www.photoacute.com
PhotoAcute Studio 2.0 is available for free in trial mode. The price of the full version varies depending on supported camera types: from $19 for mobile phone cameras to $119 for DSLR cameras with the support of RAW format and 16-bit color. Users can get free licenses by contributing to PhotoAcute Studio development.
PhotoAcute Studio 2.0 can be downloaded at:
http://www.photoacute.com/studio/download.html
About Almalence Incorporated Almalence Incorporated focuses on developing the cutting-edge methods of digital image processing and innovative software products for enhancing digital images. Our mission is to provide the photographers with the software tools that will help them to achieve the best image quality. The company was founded in 2005 by the group of professionals with strong background in computer science, software engineering and management.
Almalence Inc. - Press Release - 01.10.2006