re: Image or detection?
It definitely involves imaging.
I know it includes using an occulting-finger installed on a refracting-telescope, plus
some use of an additional physical, light-blocking apparatus, and computer software.
I'll dig up the reference and get back to you.
If this upcoming HST news conference is sensational enough
to bring in NASA chief Sean OKeefe, it would have to be an image of an extraterrestrial
planet, even though the planet would be imaged in the infrared and would be little more than a barely visible "pale red-dot" near the parent star.
Jacob
"Extraordinary claims, require extraordinary evidence."
CARL SAGAN