Efficient single image non-uniformity correction algorithm

TL;DR

This paper presents a real-time, simple, and effective single-image correction algorithm for non-uniformity in uncooled infrared images, eliminating the need for calibration or registration.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of movie deflickering techniques to static infrared images for non-uniformity correction, requiring only one camera parameter and no calibration.

Findings

Outperforms total variation correction on real and simulated images.

Operates in real time with only two operations per pixel.

Produces no ghost artifacts and requires no registration.

Abstract

This paper introduces a new way to correct the non-uniformity (NU) in uncooled infrared-type images. The main defect of these uncooled images is the lack of a column (resp. line) time-dependent cross-calibration, resulting in a strong column (resp. line) and time dependent noise. This problem can be considered as a 1D flicker of the columns inside each frame. Thus, classic movie deflickering algorithms can be adapted, to equalize the columns (resp. the lines). The proposed method therefore applies to the series formed by the columns of an infrared image a movie deflickering algorithm. The obtained single image method works on static images, and therefore requires no registration, no camera motion compensation, and no closed aperture sensor equalization. Thus, the method has only one camera dependent parameter, and is landscape independent. This simple method will be compared to a state of the art total variation single image correction on raw real and simulated images. The method is real time, requiring only two operations per pixel. It involves no test-pattern calibration and produces no "ghost artifacts".