Abstract: An optical data insertion device for an optical system includes a projector operable to insert additional optical data into a capture aperture of the optical system so as to provide a combined image and a reflection barrier. The reflection barrier includes a secondary filter and a primary filter adapted to fit over the rest of the capture aperture of the optical system. The secondary filter is a band pass filter adapted to allow the transmission of a narrow pass band centerd on the peak emission wavelength of the projector. The primary filter is a narrow band stop filter that blocks the transmission of a narrow band of light corresponding to that allowed to pass by the band pass filter.

Abstract: A sensing element array comprises a plurality of sensing elements. The sensing elements are connected to a processing unit operable to process the signals output by the sensing elements and a motion sensor operable to determine whether or not the array is in motion and output a signal indicative thereof to the processing unit. The processing unit determines whether the motion detected is suitable for identifying faulty sensing elements. If it is determined that the motion detected is suitable, the processing unit implements a faulty sensing element identification algorithm.

Abstract: An optical data insertion device for an optical system includes a projector operable to insert additional optical data into a capture aperture of the optical system so as to provide a combined image and a reflection barrier. The reflection barrier includes a secondary filter and a primary filter adapted to fit over the rest of the capture aperture of the optical system. The secondary filter is a band pass filter adapted to allow the transmission of a narrow pass band centred on the peak emission wavelength of the projector. The primary filter is a narrow band stop filter that blocks the transmission of a narrow band of light corresponding to that allowed to pass by the band pass filter.

Abstract: A microbolometer comprises an array of sensor elements or ‘pixels’ each individually responsive to generate an output indicative of the intensity of infrared radiation incident thereupon. In practice there are significant non-uniformities in the response of each pixel and further processing of the outputs must take place to generate an accurate image. These non-uniformities are dealt with by means of individual correction factors to be applied to the outputs of each pixel in the image. Commonly, the correction used provides a constant offset (1pt) and a linear gain correction (2pt). As the optimal values of these corrections drifts over time it is still necessary to provide further correction.

Abstract: A microbolometer comprises an array of sensor elements or ‘pixels’ each individually responsive to generate an output indicative of the intensity of infrared radiation incident thereupon. In practice there are significant non-uniformities in the response of each pixel and further processing of the outputs must take place to generate an accurate image. These non-uniformities are dealt with by means of individual correction factors to be applied to the outputs of each pixel in the image. Commonly, the correction used provides a constant offset (1pt) and a linear gain correction (2pt). As the optimal values of these corrections drifts over time it is still necessary to provide further correction.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system comprising a camera (11), a control device (12) which is operable to control movement of the camera (11) and operation of the camera shutter and a computer (13) which includes thermal image processing software which allows manipulation or display of thermal images collected by the camera (11). The camera (11) is operated by use of the control device (12) to expose a thermal image over a selected time interval to correspondingly select a thermal image over a particular selected temperature range. The camera shutter is operated at a selected frequency, and exposure time of the image is varied to acquire thermal images over different selected temperature ranges. However, preferably every image is taken at the same time exposure, which allows display of a continuous real time display of thermal characteristics of the object over this selected temperature range. Thermal information over the other temperature range can also be displayed or used as desired.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system comprising a camera (11), a control device (12) which is operable to control movement of the camera (11) and operation of the camera shutter and a computer (13) which includes thermal image processing software which allows manipulation or display of thermal images collected by the camera (11). The camera (11) is operated by use of the control device (12) to expose a thermal image over a selected time interval in order that a thermal image over a particular selected temperature range. The camera shutter is operated at a selected frequency and exposure time of the image is varied to acquire thermal images over different selected temperature ranges. However, preferably every said image, is taken at the same time exposure, which allows display of a continuous real time display of thermal characteristics of the object over this selected temperature range. Thermal information over the other temperature range can also be displayed or used as desired.