The most straightforward way to describe the performance of an image intensifier tube, especially under adverse conditions, is to predict the image it yields. In this work we have developed two different methods to provide realistic simulated images in low light level conditions: 1) Approximate Physical Model. A classical approach based on the simulation of the different degradation sources. It provides a good understanding of the image formation process. 2) Synthesis-by-analysis of real images. The observed noise is modelled through texture analysis tools and the image blur through the MTF. The resulting simulated images for both methods were compared with real intensified images (laboratory chart sights and natural images) taken under controlled conditions, close to the performance limits of the image intensifier tube. Both methods generated good results in terms of visual comparison for different object sizes, contrasts or luminances. These methods can be used as a new tool to predict the performance thresholds of the image intensifier. Only well-known or measurable parameters were used as input for the methods.

Date Published: 11 October 2005
PDF: 13 pages
Proc. SPIE 5987, Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems: Technology and Applications II, 59870D (11 October 2005); doi: 10.1117/12.630665

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 5987:
Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems: Technology and Applications II
Ronald G. Driggers; David A. Huckridge, Editor(s)