Electronic Image Stabilization for Staring Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Sensors

ABSTRACT: Image stabilization is a requirement for high performance imaging, particularly on mobile platforms.Electronic image stabilization systems are lightweight, compact and inexpensive since the stabilization is performed electronically rather than mechanically. Despite advancements in image registration algorithms in recent years, real-time processing in embedded systems remains a significant challenge, particularly for airborne IR applications. As an alternative to this approach, Black Forest Engineering (BFE) proposes to perform frame averaging in a memory array to solve the image stabilization problem. Data from the pixel array is read at a high frame rate and accumulated in the memory array using address offsets to compensate for the shift of the target scene in the pixel array. The result is a frame averaging operation where the location of the accumulated frames in the memory array shifts with each translational vector input to compensate for movement of the scene across the pixel array, producing a stabilized image. These translational vector inputs are calculated from sensor data collected on the aircraft. The required ROIC functionality builds on BFE's digital pixel architecture and implementation involves straight-forward modifications to existing circuitry currently being designed by BFE for other IRST applications.; BENEFIT: The development of advanced DROIC technologies by Black Forest Engineering will allow increased utilization of large format, fast frame, single and dual-band imaging. The development of low power DROICs will provide high performance in small pixels, enable more low SWAP applications, and increase cryo-cooler life (reduced cryo-cooling power).