Hughes Aircraft Company

Roland L Andrews

Lloyd L Lewins

Ted W Berwin

James L Heard

George M Buritica

Larry A Scanlan

Systems for improving the quality of video images generated by a forward-looking infrared detector array include mechanisms for dynamically adjusting the output signals from one or more non-linear detectors in such an array. These systems and methods utilize the output signals from two or more detectors adjacent to each non-linear detector to provide accurate DC restoration to the signals from such non-linear detectors.

Pseudo cross-couple for non-linear detectors

A scene-based image restoration system, method and apparatus calculates a plurality of restoration signals to be combined with a plurality of input signals to produce resultant signals that are substantially equal during a desired time interval. These scene-based image restoration systems and methods can use DC offset signals as scene restoration signals. To enhance results, faulty sensors in the system are detected, and the input signals from them compensated to produce better video images from the signals.

Image restoration and faulty sensor detection and compensation system

A signal processor for use with an imaging sensor system that provides enhanced video imagery. The signal processor may be coupled to a FLIR system, for example, which comprises a plurality of detectors that are scanned across an image scene and reference temperature source during separate portions of each scan cycle. The signal processor comprises an input processor coupled to the imaging sensor system which processes analog signals derived from each of the plurality of detectors. The input processor normalizes the analog signals relative to one another during the active portion of the scan cycle based upon stored data derived from a predetermined sensor responsivity calibration procedure. This normalization function equalizes the gains associated with all channels of the sensor system. The input processor also restores the DC levels of each of the sensor channels to respective DC values related to the reference temperature source during the inactive portion of the scan cycle. This function is performed during the calibration procedure and while the system is in operation. The input processor digitizes the signals which are applied to a scan converter. The scan converter stores the digitized signals and converts the stored signals into signals which are compatible with a video monitor employed to view the image. An output processor is coupled to the scan converter that is employed to process signals in a manner which permits software-controlled digitized image enhancement thereof, and which converts the enhanced signals into analog video output signals compatible with the video monitor.

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Altadena, CA, United States of America

Roland L Andrews