Image Stabilization Using Motion Estimation and Micro-mechanical Compensation

Airborne and space-borne imaging systems are often limited in resolution by image degradation resulting from mechanical vibrations during image exposures. A new image stabilization method using digital motion estimation and micro-mechanical compensation is presented. Motion estimation is accomplished by an auxiliary high-speed camera using modified real-time digital image stabilization (DIS) algorithm. Then the image motions during exposure of the primary imaging system are eliminated by micro-mechanical compensation on the focal plane assembly with detected motion vectors to achieve high precision positioning. An imaging system model based on the proposed concept is built with commonly used facilities. Theoretical analysis and experimental result show that the performance of the proposed concept is convincing.