Deblurring Images

Malena Espanol explains how she and others use linear algebra to
correct blurry images. Imagine snapping a quick picture of a flying
bird. The image is likely to come out blurry. But thanks to
mathematics, you might be able to use software to improve the
photo. Scientists often deal with blurry pictures, too. Linear
algebra and clever numerical methods allow researchers to fix
imperfect photos in medical imaging, astronomy, and more. In a
computer, the pixels that make up an image can be represented as a
column of numbers called a vector. Blurring happens when the light
meant for each pixel spills into the adjacent pixels, changing the
numbers in a way that can be mathematically represented as an
enormous matrix. But knowing that matrix is not enough if you want
to reconstruct the original (non-blurry) image.