A scene-based nonuniformity correction technique for IRFPA using perimeter diaphragm strips

Nonuniformity correction (NUC) is a critical task for achieving higher performance in modern infrared imaging systems. For cases where radiometry is not required, we proposed an extension to a recently reported scene-based NUC technique RASBA, the scene-based algorithm using perimeter diaphragm strips (SBA-PDS). This method initially guarantees all detectors along the FPA perimeter have a uniform, but unknown bias through one-point calibration, which is dependent on the reciprocating movement of diaphragm strips. Then the SBA-PDS carries out bias estimation recursively based on a special algebraic algorithm and can effectively "transport" the calibration of the perimeter detectors to those interior uncorrected ones. This approach provides the advantages of operating NUC with an almost unobstructive field of view, no need for cost of blackbody sources, and achievement of acceptable results during the time of hundreds of frames, which is usually as long as thousands of frames with the statistical algorithm. The technique was applied to real infrared data obtained from two kinds of uncooled infrared cameras and the experimental results appeared promising.