1. A method for obtaining a visual image of a target object comprising the steps selecting a plurality of training objects each of said training object having a predetermined feature in common with a target object; placing each said training object in a position for said predetermined feature to be scanned by a scanning system; scanning each of said plurality of training objects using scanning system for generating training signals, said scanning system sampling multiple lines to represent images of said training objects; acquiring preselected training signals from said plurality of training objects resembling the target object to be scanned, said training signals representing images of said plurality of training objects having at least one predetermined feature in common with the target object, wherein said training signals are acquired from said plurality of training objects independent of a physical position of said training objects; deriving, from said training signals, a set of basis functions that provide a convergent series expansion of said images of said training objects; an operator selecting and inputting scanning systems parameters including an estimated signal-to-noise level, number of said basis functions, and number of said signal measurements of the target object into said scanning system through a user input device; determining a signal measurement prescription for the target object based on said scanning system parameters; selecting a target object to be scanned and placing said target object in a position for said predetermined feature to be scanned by said scanning system; generating a control signal based on said signal measurement prescription so as to control said scanning system to scan said predetermined feature of said target object and acquiring target signals of the target object said scanning system sampling multiple lines to represent an image of said target object; generating a truncated basis function expansion of the image from said acquired target signals; estimating additional signal measurements based on said truncated basis function and reconstructing the visual image of the target object using said obtained target signals and said estimated additional signal measurements wherein said visual image is displayed on a visual display device.