Fixed pattern noise column drift compensation (CDC) for digital moving picture cameras

In CMOS image sensors tiny semiconductor variations cause a distortion of the image known as fixed pattern noise (FPN). With a good FPN compensation CMOS sensors can deliver very good image quality. Compensation algorithms differ in complexity, maximum frame rate, and compensation quality with thermal drift. This paper analyzes existing approaches to offset FPN compensation and their drawbacks. We also show a new compensation algorithm that offers fine grained per-pixel compensation and is able to compensate temperature variations while still operating at the maximum sensor frame rate. This enables the construction of motion picture cameras without active cooling or even temperature measurements while still delivering a high image quality at high frame rates.