An imaging device using a CMOS imaging element includes a memory that stores, as a correction reference value, a gain exceeding a gain obtained by the imaging element and at which a linear fixed pattern noise starts to occur in a captured image; and an image processor that suppresses the fixed pattern noise when the gain exceeding the gain obtained by the imaging element exceeds the correction reference value. The captured image includes multiple pixel lines, each pixel in each of the pixel lines being arranged according to one of a plurality of color scheme patterns. The image processor suppresses the fixed pattern noise when a pixel line of the fixed pattern noise is not continuous in the same color scheme pattern, or when the pixel lines of the fixed pattern noise are continuous in the same color scheme pattern and the number of continuous lines is two.

Techniques for facilitating non-uniformity correction calibrations are provided. In one example, an infrared imaging system includes an infrared imager and a logic device. The infrared imager is configured to capture a set of infrared images of a reference object. The reference object is substantially at a single temperature. The logic device is configured to initiate a run-time calibration of the infrared imager and generate a gain map based on the set of infrared images and an offset map associated with the infrared imager. Related devices and methods are also provided.

An image generation method in an imaging apparatus that includes a plurality of pixels, includes: performing a first imaging operation of capturing an image when each of the plurality of pixels is shielded from light, in a state in which a reference signal level in the first imaging operation is set to a first offset value; and generating first image data based on a first pixel signal obtained by the first imaging operation. The first offset value is higher than a second offset value that is a reference signal level in a second imaging operation of capturing an image in a state in which light is incident on each of the plurality of pixels.

A passive imaging sensor includes a plurality of optical elements in which at least one includes one or more Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) Micro-Mirror Arrays (MMAs) having a plurality of independently and continuously controllable mirrors that at least tip and tilt in 2 DOF and may tip, tilt and piston in 3 DOF, In an operational mode, the mirrors are tipped and tilted, and possibly pistoned, such that the optical radiation is focused at the pixelated detector to read out an image of the scene. NUC coefficients such as offset and/or gain are applied to either the output signals of the detector or to the image to form the NUC'd images. In a calibration mode, the mirrors are tipped and tilted and/or pistoned to spatially or temporally blur the image or to re-direct the FOV to one or more on-board calibration sources to generate a uniform image from which to calculate and update the NUC coefficients.

An imager array may be provided as part of an imaging system. The imager array may include a plurality of infrared imaging modules. Each infrared imaging module may include a plurality of infrared sensors associated with an optical element. The infrared imaging modules may be oriented, for example, substantially in a plane facing the same direction and configured to detect images from the same scene. Such images may be processed in accordance with various techniques to provide images of infrared radiation. The infrared imaging modules may include filters or lens coatings to selectively detect desired ranges of infrared radiation. Such arrangements of infrared imaging modules in an imager array may be used to advantageous effect in a variety of different applications.

A sensor calibration target configured for sensor calibration relative to a common frame of reference is disclosed. The sensor calibration target comprises a first surface at a first predefined depth bearing a first set of indicia at respective first heights and having respective first predefined shifts, each of the first indicia encoding a corresponding first height. The sensor calibration target further comprises a second surface at a second predefined depth bearing a second set of indicia at respective second heights and having respective second predefined shifts, each of the second indicia encoding a corresponding second height.

An infrared imaging system is provided. The system includes a sensor configured to receive light emitted by a scene and at least a portion of scenic flux to generate image data, a light source configured to provide calibrating light to offset at least a portion of the scene flux, the light source positioned such that an output of the light source is at a pupil of the infrared imaging system, and at least one image processing device. The image processing device is configured to receive the image data generated by the infrared sensor, determine at least one change in the scenic flux as received by the infrared sensor, determine if the at least one change in the scenic flux results in a change in pixel response of the infrared sensor that exceeds a response threshold, and if the change in pixel response exceeds a threshold, generate an updated calibration table.

Hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping imaging with reduced fixed pattern noise is disclosed. A method includes actuating an emitter to emit a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation and sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation with a pixel array of an image sensor. The method includes reducing fixed pattern noise in an exposure frame by subtracting a reference frame from the exposure frame. The method is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of: electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 513 nm to about 545 nm, from about 565 nm to about 585 nm, from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm, an excitation wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that causes a reagent to fluoresce, or a laser mapping pattern.

An image generation method in an imaging apparatus that includes a plurality of pixels, includes: performing a first imaging operation of capturing an image when each of the plurality of pixels is shielded from light, in a state in which a reference signal level in the first imaging operation is set to a first offset value; and generating first image data based on a first pixel signal obtained by the first imaging operation. The first offset value is higher than a second offset value that is a reference signal level in a second imaging operation of capturing an image in a state in which light is incident on each of the plurality of pixels.

A method for testing defocus of a camera includes providing a vehicular camera and providing a defocus tester that includes a first target disposed behind an optic and a second target that is not disposed behind the optic. The first target has a simulated image distance relative to the vehicular camera that is different than an actual image distance. The method includes positioning the defocus tester relative to the vehicular camera such that the vehicular camera views the defocus tester and images (i) light that has reflected off the first target and passed through the optic and (ii) light that has reflected off the second target and not passed through the optic. The method includes capturing image data with the vehicular camera that is representative of the first target and the second target and estimating a defocus of the vehicular camera responsive to processing the image data.