Abstract: A system and method for calibrating an imaging system includes a shutter that is moveable in to the optical path of the imaging system to generate an image of the shutter surface, which is flat and uniform. The shutter can be moved in and out of the optical path between first and second positions. The shutter is heated while in the second position and then returned to the first position. Data sets generated at two different temperatures enable the image generated by the imaging system in normal use to be to be adjusted for responsivity and variation in DC offset of the specific pixel array.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating an imaging system includes a shutter that is moveable in to the optical path of the imaging system to generate an image of the shutter surface, which is flat and uniform. The shutter can be moved in and out of the optical path between first and second positions. The shutter is heated whilst in the second position and then returned to the first position. Data sets generated at two different temperatures enable the image generated by the imaging system in normal use to be to be adjusted for responsivity and variation in DC offset of the specific pixel array.

Abstract: An infrared detector system is described in which a despeckle filter is applied to image data generated by a High Operating Temperature (HOT) detector array. The filter reads the data associated with each pixel of the image generated and compares it with selected neighboring pixels. The comparison yields a series of values that are compared to predetermined thresholds and the pixel is scored according to the number of values that exceed the threshold set. The score assigned to the pixel then determines the treatment of the pixel in the image to be generated. The data value of the pixel may be ignored, included or substituted with an alternative calculated value.

Abstract: An infrared detector system is described in which a despeckle filter is applied to image data generated by a High Operating Temperature (HOT) detector array. The filter reads the data associated with each pixel of the image generated and compares it with selected neighbouring pixels. The comparison yields a series of values that are compared to predetermined thresholds and the pixel is scored according to the number of values that exceed the threshold set. The score assigned to the pixel then determines the treatment of the pixel in the image to be generated. The data value of the pixel may be ignored, included or substituted with an alternative calculated value.

Abstract: A sensor device formed on a semiconductor substrate. The device comprises a thermal radiation sensor including a sensing cell and a referencing cell which are co-operable for providing a first output signal indicative of the temperature fluctuation resulting from incident radiation. A gradient sensor including a pair of cells spatially located on the semiconductor substrate is provided which are co-operable to provide a second output signal indicative of the temperature gradient across the semiconductor substrate for facilitating calibrating the first output signal. At least one of the cells of the gradient sensor is not common to the cells of the thermal radiation sensor.

Abstract: A sensor device formed on a semiconductor substrate. The device comprises a thermal radiation sensor including a sensing cell and a referencing cell which are co-operable for providing a first output signal indicative of the temperature fluctuation resulting from incident radiation. A gradient sensor including a pair of cells spatially located on the semiconductor substrate is provided which are co-operable to provide a second output signal indicative of the temperature gradient across the semiconductor substrate for facilitating calibrating the first output signal. At least one of the cells of the gradient sensor is not common to the cells of the thermal radiation sensor.