Extrapolating distortion correction with local measurements for space-based multi-module splicing large-format...

Area of Science:

• Optical engineering
• Image processing
• Space instrumentation

Background:

• Conventional distortion correction relies on evenly distributed data, which is often unachievable in constrained laboratory settings.
• Large-format cameras in vacuum experiments yield limited measurement points, hindering traditional correction accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an accurate distortion correction method for space-based multi-module splicing large-format infrared cameras using local measurements.
• To overcome the limitations of uneven data distribution in calibration processes.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a third-order polynomial model for distortion correction, which is robust to data distribution.
• Utilized local measurements and reasonable extrapolation for global camera calibration.
• Applied the method to large-format infrared cameras in space-based applications.

Main Results:

• Achieved a mean distortion error correction within 0.5 pixels.
• Demonstrated effective improvement in the correction accuracy of large-format cameras.
• Validated the method's ability to provide high-precision calibration based on local measurements.

Conclusions:

• The proposed extrapolating distortion correction method effectively addresses the challenge of limited measurement data.
• This technique offers a novel approach for the global high-precision calibration of on-orbit payloads.
• The method enhances the performance of large-format infrared cameras in space applications.