Reconfigurable architecture-based implementation of non-uniformity correction for long wave IR sensors

Abstract

Infra Red (IR) imaging systems have various applications in military and civilian sectors. Most of the modern imaging systems are based on Infra Red Focal Plane Arrays (IRFPAs), which consists of an array of detector element placed at focal plane of optics module. Performance of IRFPAs operating in Medium Wave Infra Red (MWIR) and Long Wave Infra Red (LWIR) spectral bands are strongly affected by spatial and temporal Non-Uniformity (NU). Due to difference in the photo response of detector elements within the array, Fixed-Pattern Noise (FPN) becomes severe. To exploit the potential of current generation infrared focal plane arrays, it is crucial to correct IRFPA for fixed-pattern noise. Different Non-Uniformity Correction (NUC) techniques have been discussed and real-time performance of two-point non-uniformity correction related to IR band is presented in this paper. The proposed scheme corrects both gain and offset non-uniformities. The techniques have been implemented in reconfigurable hardware (FPGA) and exploits BlockRAM memories to store the gain and offset coefficients in order to achieve real-time performance. NUC results for long-range LWIR imaging system are also presented. © Springer Science+Business Media Singapore 2017.