Meteor automatic imager and analyzer: current status and preprocessing of image data

Abstract

In this paper we present current progress in development of new observational instruments for the double station video experiment called MAIA (Meteor Automatic Imager and Analyzer). The main goal of the MAIA project is to monitor activity of the meteor showers and sporadic meteors. This paper presents detailed analysis of imaging parameters based on acquisition of testing video sequences at different light conditions. Among the most important results belong the analysis of opto-electronic conversion function and noise characteristics. Based on these results, requirements for image preprocessing algorithms are proposed.

Real-Time Detection of Sporadic Meteors in the Intensified TV Imaging Systems

“…The same ISO 15524 chart allows covering the dependency of noise characteristics on the spatially-variable signal level (represented by patches of the chart) and automatic gain control in the image intensifier. We also investigated the behavior of the image intensifier at different working conditions by the change of the chart illumination [ 36 ]. Figure 5 b shows the curves for the six chosen illumination levels.…”

Long-Term Continuous Double Station Observation of Faint Meteor Showers

“…The electro-optical subsystem of MAIA consists of two main components: a second-generation image intensifier XX1332 and a GigE camera JAI CM-040GE. The image intensifier has a large diameter input (50 mm) and output (40 mm) apertures, high gain (typically 30,000 to 60,000 lm/lm), and a spatial resolution of 30 lp/mm [ 19 ]. Since the diameter of the photocathode in image intensifier is 50 mm, and the angle of view for meteor observation should be about 50 , then the most suitable focal length of the input lens comes at about 50 mm.…”

Utilization of Image Intensifiers in Astronomy

“…The instrument is equipped with an input aperture lens (Pentax SMC FA 1.4/50 mm) and an inner camera lens (Pentax H1214-M 1.4/12 mm) [4]. The spectral transparency of the two lenses (input and camera), the spectral sensitivity of the image intensifier, the spectral sensitivity of the camera, the spectrum of the light at the output of the image intensifier, the spatial resolution of the input lens and the image intensifier, and also the spatial resolution of the whole system are among the most important parameters tested and presented in this paper.…”