In this discussion we present a description of imaging using an opaque obstruction with a circular cross section (such as a sphere) as the optical imaging element. Image formation is discussed in terms of the convolution product of the point spread function of the system and the optical intensity distribution of the object. It is shown how this convolution product can be efficiently accomplished in the frequency domain using digital technqiues. The emphasis of this report is placed on the numerical generation of the transfer function of the optical system. An analytical example of imaging using this technique with a standard 3‐bar target as the object is presented. Experimental verification of the analytical results is also given. © 1995American Institute of Physics