1. A method for generating an output data set representing a fluorescence image of a sample, the method comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining an input data set representing fluorescence images of the sample for a plurality of different focal plane depths in the sample and different exposure times, wherein the respective fluorescence images comprise image signal values for an array of pixel locations; and (b) combining the image signal values for the fluorescence images from the different focal plane depths and different exposure times to form an output data set representing a single resultant fluorescence image of the sample.