Short-wave infrared real-time high dynamic range imaging and display based on correlated double sampling

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Image Processing
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Short-wave infrared (SWIR) cameras often face limitations in dynamic range, affecting image detail in scenes with varying brightness.
• Real-time imaging capabilities are crucial for many SWIR applications, but dynamic range constraints can hinder performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a real-time high dynamic range (HDR) imaging and display method for SWIR cameras.
• To significantly improve the brightness and contrast capabilities of SWIR imaging systems.
• To enhance the acquisition of detailed image information in challenging lighting conditions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized correlated double sampling (CDS) technique on SWIR detectors.
• Extended 14-bit raw SWIR images to 16-bit HDR images, achieving 4x HDR imaging.
• Implemented a dynamic range compression process involving logarithmic mapping and histogram equalization for 8-bit display output.

Main Results:

• Successfully extended the dynamic range of SWIR images.
• Preserved and enriched image details in high-contrast scenes.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of real-time HDR imaging for SWIR cameras.

Conclusions:

• The proposed CDS-based HDR method effectively enhances SWIR image quality.
• The technique allows for richer image detail capture without compromising real-time performance.
• This advancement is beneficial for applications requiring detailed SWIR imaging in diverse lighting environments.