Non-uniformity correction algorithm for IRFPA based on motion controllable micro-scanning and perimeter diaphragm strips

Abstract Non-uniformity correction is the key issue for the image quality improvement of infrared focal panel array (IRFPA) imaging. A non-uniformity correction (NUC) algorithm for IRFPA based on motion controllable micro-scanning platform and perimeter diaphragm strips is presented. We initially execute one-point calibration to the perimeter detectors, then based on controllable motion of adjacent frames, a special algebraic algorithm is proposed to transport the calibration of the perimeter detectors to those interior un-corrected ones. In this way, the bias parameter of the whole field of view (FOV) is calculated. The algorithm can be easily combined with sub-pixel imaging, thereby improving the quality of thermal imaging system (image spatial resolution and uniformity). All calculations are algebraic, with a low computation load. The algorithm can realize adaptive one point calibration without covering the central FOV rapidly. Experiments on simulated infrared data demonstrate that this algorithm requires only dozens of frames to obtain high quality corrections.