Patent ID: 6661010
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: G01J,H04N

Abstract:
A method for reading a microbolometer array having a number of microbolometer sensor elements that are arranged into a number of rows and a number of columns, each of the microbolometer sensor elements in a column being connected to a different one of a number of row read out lines when the column is selected, and a selected one of the number of row read out lines being connected, either directly or indirectly, to an output amplifier when a row is selected, the method comprising:selecting a first row of microbolometer sensor elements; reading the microbolometer sensor elements of the first row onto a first read out line by individually selecting each of the columns of the microbolometer array; deselecting the first row of microbolometer sensor elements; deselecting the columns of the microbolometer array for a predetermined period of time while a second row is selected; selecting a second row of microbolometer sensor elements; and reading the microbolometer sensor elements of the second row onto a second read out line by individually selecting each of the columns of the microbolometer array.