Fast two-dimensional phase-unwrapping algorithm based on sorting by reliability following a noncontinuous path.

We describe what is to our knowledge a novel technique for phase unwrapping. Several algorithms based on unwrapping the most-reliable pixels first have been proposed. These were restricted to continuous paths and were subject to difficulties in defining a starting pixel. The technique described here uses a different type of reliability function and does not follow a continuous path to perform the unwrapping operation. The technique is explained in detail and illustrated with a number of examples.

Robust, fast, and effective two-dimensional automatic phase unwrapping algorithm based on image decomposition.

We describe what is to our knowledge a novel approach to phase unwrapping. Using the principle of unwrapping following areas with similar phase values (homogenous areas), the algorithm reacts satisfactorily to random noise and breaks in the wrap distributions. Execution times for a 512 x 512 pixel phase distribution are in the order of a half second on a desktop computer. The precise value depends upon the particular image under analysis. Two inherent parameters allow tuning of the algorithm to images of different quality and nature.