Application of spatial frequency response as a criterion for evaluating thermal imaging camera performance

Andrew Lock; Francine Amon

doi:10.1117/12.779158

15 April 2008 Application of spatial frequency response as a criterion for evaluating thermal imaging camera performance

Andrew Lock, Francine Amon

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6941, Infrared Imaging Systems: Design, Analysis, Modeling, and Testing XIX; 69411C (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.779158
Event: SPIE Defense and Security Symposium, 2008, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel are examples of first responders that are utilizing thermal imaging cameras in a very practical way every day. However, few performance metrics have been developed to assist first responders in evaluating the performance of thermal imaging technology. This paper describes one possible metric for evaluating spatial resolution using an application of Spatial Frequency Response (SFR) calculations for thermal imaging. According to ISO 12233, the SFR is defined as the integrated area below the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) curve derived from the discrete Fourier transform of a camera image representing a knife-edge target. This concept is modified slightly for use as a quantitative analysis of the camera's performance by integrating the area between the MTF curve and the camera's characteristic nonuniformity, or noise floor, determined at room temperature. The resulting value, which is termed the Effective SFR, can then be compared with a spatial resolution value obtained from human perception testing of task specific situations to determine the acceptability of the performance of thermal imaging cameras. The testing procedures described herein are being developed as part of a suite of tests for possible inclusion into a performance standard on thermal imaging cameras for first responders.

Citation Download Citation

Andrew Lock and Francine Amon "Application of spatial frequency response as a criterion for evaluating thermal imaging camera performance", Proc. SPIE 6941, Infrared Imaging Systems: Design, Analysis, Modeling, and Testing XIX, 69411C (15 April 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.779158

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