Real-Time Correction of Intensity Nonlinearities in Imaging Systems

An analysis of two-dimensional imaging systems with general intensity nonlinearities is presented and several methods for real-time correction are discussed. Exact correction for measurement purposes and approximate correction for the human observer are described, and system implementation is by digital hardware, primarily using programmable read-only memories (PROM's). Calibration techniques for these systems are given, and estimates of computing time and required system complexity are made. Experimental application of these techniques is discussed.