Abstract: There is provided a time variant defect correcting method in an infrared thermal imaging system. Digital video signals representing a frame are received and it is determined whether a first pixel from the frame is likely to be a defect. If the first pixel is likely to be a defect, the number of defect determinations for the first pixel is counted and the count value is compared with a threshold count. If the count value is equal to or less than the threshold count, digital video signals representing a next frame are received and it is determined whether the first pixel in the next frame is likely to be a defect. If the count value exceeds the threshold count, the first pixel is registered as a defect and corrected.

Abstract: Methods of transmitting and receiving asynchronous serial data using a serial port of a digital signal processor are provided.

Abstract: An infrared detecting, light emitting focal plane array is disclosed. This focal plane array detects infrared image signals, converts the image signals into electrical signals, amplifies the electrical signals, then produces an infrared image by converting the electrical signals back into infrared radiation using light emitting devices. The infrared image produced may be of a different wavelength than the original image signal. The detectors and the emitters are comprised of numerous pixels spread out in a two dimensional planar array. Each pixel is processed independently from the other pixels, as the signals are processed in parallel to each other. The intensity of the emitted light of each pixel varies with the intensity of the incident light for each corresponding pixel. An infrared imaging apparatus is disclosed that uses the infrared image output from the light emitting focal plane array detecting unit to dearly record, photograph, and display real-time infrared images.