Infrared detector, control method and infrared imaging system

Abstract

The invention provides an infrared detector, a control method and an infrared imaging system, relates to the field of infrared focal plane array integral extension, and aims to obtain clearer infrared image details. The infrared detector comprises a pixel array, a controller and a reading circuit. The controller is used for selecting a target pixel in the pixel array. The target pixel is a pixel corresponding to a target local area in the infrared image of the to-be-detected scene. A target pixel in the pixel array is used for detecting an infrared radiation signal of a target local area in a scene to be detected and outputting a first electric signal to the reading circuit based on the infrared radiation signal. The controller is also configured to output an integral control signal to the readout circuit. The integral control signal is used for indicating first integral time, and the first integral time is not equal to initial integral time corresponding to the obtained infrared image of the scene to be detected. The reading circuit is used for carrying out integration on a first electric signal output by a target pixel at first integration time and outputting a second electric signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of infrared focal plane array integral extension, and in particular to an infrared detector, a control method and an infrared imaging system. Background Art

[0002] Infrared imaging technology is a technology that uses infrared rays to detect and form images. It works based on infrared radiation emitted or reflected by objects and has a wide range of applications in many fields.

[0003] Infrared images formed by infrared imaging technology can reflect temperature differences in different colors or different shades of the same color. However, when observing and analyzing infrared images, it is often encountered that some areas have blurred details, low contrast, and smooth color gradients, making it difficult for operators to make accurate judgments on the information presented in the area on the infrared image. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present invention provide an infrared detector, a control method and an infrared imaging system, aiming to obtain clearer infrared image details.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the embodiments of the present invention adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides an infrared detector, comprising a pixel array, a controller and a readout circuit. The controller is used to select a target pixel in the pixel array. The target pixel in the pixel array is used to receive an infrared radiation signal and output a first electrical signal to the readout circuit based on the infrared radiation signal. The controller is also used to output an integration control signal to the readout circuit. The integration control signal is used to indicate a first integration time, and the first integration time is not equal to the initial integration time obtained. Among them, the number of pixels in the pixel array corresponding to the initial integration time is greater than the number of pixels of the target pixel; the readout circuit is used to integrate the first electrical signal output by the target pixel with the first integration time, and output a second electrical signal.

[0007] The controller can select the target pixel in the pixel array, that is, the target pixel is a subset of the pixel array. Exemplarily, the target pixel detects the infrared radiation signal of the target local area in the infrared image of the scene to be measured. By selecting the target pixel in the pixel array and processing it centrally by the controller, a more accurate infrared radiation measurement can be performed for a specific local position in the scene to be measured. And since only the specific local position in the scene to be measured is processed, the processing efficiency is improved while saving computing resources. The controller can output an integral control signal to the readout circuit, and the first integral time indicated by the integral control signal is not equal to the initial integral time obtained, and the number of pixels in the pixel array corresponding to the initial integral time is greater than the number of pixels of the target pixel, that is, in the above scenario, the initial integral time corresponds to the infrared image of the entire scene to be measured, and the first integral time corresponds to the target local area in the infrared image of the scene to be measured. Since the length of the integration time is related to the length of time the pixel array absorbs infrared radiation, this means that the time the target pixels corresponding to the local target area on the obtained infrared image absorb infrared radiation will change compared to the original time, which is conducive to obtaining clearer infrared image details.

[0008] As a possible implementation method, the controller is also used to receive a trigger signal and output an integration control signal to the readout circuit based on the trigger signal; the trigger signal is used to indicate to increase or decrease the integration time of the readout circuit; the controller includes a control circuit and a register; the control circuit is used to increase or decrease the initial value of the register when the trigger signal is received; the register is used to generate an integration control signal according to the size of the initial value.

[0009] In a second aspect, the present application also provides an infrared detector control method for controlling the infrared detector as mentioned in the first aspect, the method comprising: a controller selects a target pixel in a pixel array; the target pixel receives an infrared radiation signal, and outputs a first electrical signal to a readout circuit based on the infrared radiation signal; the controller outputs an integration control signal to the readout circuit; the integration control signal is used to indicate a first integration time, and the first integration time is not equal to an initial integration time; wherein the number of pixels in the pixel array corresponding to the initial integration time is greater than the number of pixels of the target pixel; the readout circuit integrates the first electrical signal output by the target pixel with the first integration time, and outputs a second electrical signal.

[0010] As a possible implementation manner, the first integration time is greater than or less than the initial integration time.

[0011] As a possible implementation method, the step of the controller outputting an integration control signal to the readout circuit and the step of the readout circuit integrating the first electrical signal output by the target pixel with a first integration time and outputting a second electrical signal are repeated N times until the clarity of the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel meets the first preset requirement or the brightness meets the second preset requirement, and the secondary controller stops outputting the integration control signal to the readout circuit; wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and the first integration times in the N cycles are not equal to each other and are not equal to the initial integration time.

[0012] As a possible implementation manner, the initial integration time and the first integration time in N cycles are gradually increased or gradually decreased.

[0013] As a possible implementation method, the difference between the initial integration time and the first integration time in the first cycle, and the difference between the first integration time in any two adjacent cycles are equal; or, the difference between the initial integration time and the first integration time in the first cycle is T1, and the difference between the first integration time in any two adjacent cycles is T2, and T1 and T2 are not equal.

[0014] As a possible implementation method, before the controller outputs an integration control signal to the readout circuit, the infrared detector control method also includes: receiving a trigger signal, and outputting an integration control signal to the readout circuit based on the trigger signal; the trigger signal is used to indicate increasing or decreasing the integration time of the readout circuit.

[0015] As a possible implementation method, before the controller selects the target pixel in the pixel array, the infrared detector control method also includes: the controller receives a target pixel selection signal, and selects the target pixel in the pixel array based on the target pixel selection signal; the target pixel selection signal includes position information of the target pixel in the pixel array.

[0016] In a third aspect, the present application further provides an infrared imaging system, the infrared imaging system comprising a host computer and an infrared detector as involved in the first aspect and its possible implementation, the host computer being connected to the infrared detector. The host computer is used to receive infrared image data collected from the infrared detector and output an infrared image. A target pixel selection signal is output to the infrared detector. The target pixel selection signal includes position information of the target pixel in the pixel array. A trigger signal is output to the infrared detector. The trigger signal is used to indicate adjustment of the integration time of the infrared detector.

[0017] As a possible implementation, based on the clarity of the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel being lower than the first preset requirement, the trigger signal is used to instruct to increase the integration time of the infrared detector. Based on the brightness of the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel being higher than the second preset requirement, the trigger signal is used to instruct to reduce the integration time of the infrared detector.

[0018] As a possible implementation, the host computer is also used to output the infrared image of the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel after receiving the infrared image data of the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel from the infrared detector. Based on the clarity of the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel being lower than the first preset requirement or the brightness being higher than the second preset requirement, the trigger signal is output to the infrared detector again. The trigger signal is stopped until the clarity of the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel meets the first preset requirement or the brightness meets the second preset requirement.

[0019] Among them, the beneficial effects of the second aspect and the third aspect and their specific implementation methods can refer to the beneficial effects of the first aspect and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an infrared detector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a controller in an infrared detector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a readout circuit in an infrared detector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the composition of an integration circuit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 5 A timing diagram of an integration circuit and a sampling circuit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another infrared detector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an infrared imaging system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 8 A flowchart of a method for controlling an infrared detector provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances. In addition, when describing the pipeline, the "connected" and "connection" used in the present invention have the meaning of conduction. The specific meaning needs to be understood in conjunction with the context.

[0031] In the embodiments of the present invention, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present invention should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a specific way.

[0032] All objects with a temperature above absolute zero will emit infrared radiation. An infrared detector is a device that can sense the infrared radiation emitted by an object and convert it into a usable signal. Infrared detectors are widely used in the field of infrared imaging. For example, infrared detectors are the core component of night vision goggles.

[0033] Infrared images obtained by infrared detectors can reflect temperature differences in different colors or different shades of the same color. However, when observing and analyzing infrared images, it is often encountered that some areas have blurred details, low contrast, and smooth color gradients, making it difficult for operators to make accurate judgments on the information presented in the area on the infrared image.

[0034] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides an infrared detector, exemplarily, such as Figure 1As shown. The infrared detector 100 includes a pixel array 1, a controller 2 and a readout circuit 3. The controller 2 is used to select a target pixel in the pixel array 1. The target pixel is a part of the pixel array. For example, if the pixel array measures an infrared image of a scene to be measured, then the target pixel measures a part of the infrared image of the scene to be measured. Since the sum of all pixels in the pixel array corresponds to the entire infrared image of the scene to be measured, the sum of the target pixels corresponds to the target local area in the infrared image of the scene to be measured. The target pixel in the pixel array 1 is used to receive an infrared radiation signal and output a first electrical signal to the readout circuit 3 based on the infrared radiation signal. The controller 2 is also used to output an integration control signal to the readout circuit 3. The integration control signal is used to indicate a first integration time, and the first integration time is not equal to the initial integration time obtained. The number of pixels in the pixel array corresponding to the initial integration time is greater than the number of pixels of the target pixel. The readout circuit 3 is used to integrate the first electrical signal output by the target pixel with the first integration time and output a second electrical signal.

[0035] The pixel array 1, also known as the focal plane array (FPA), is the core component of the infrared detector 100 for infrared radiation detection. The pixel array 1 includes a plurality of pixels, each of which is an independent detection unit that can absorb infrared radiation emitted within a certain range. From the perspective of infrared images, the infrared image can be divided into equal number of sub-regions according to the number of pixels in the pixel array 1, and each sub-region corresponds to a pixel in the pixel array 1. The color and depth of the color reflected by the sub-region in the infrared image are determined by the corresponding pixel according to the amount of infrared radiation absorbed at that position in the scene to be detected within the integration time.

[0036] One of the application scenarios of the infrared detector provided in the embodiment of the present application is: in the case where an infrared image has been generated for the scene to be measured, it is desired to further analyze the local area in the generated infrared image, which is also called the target local area. In this case, the target local area is a fuzzy area or an area that the operator is interested in observing. The target pixel refers to the pixel corresponding to the target local area in the generated infrared image. The target pixel detects the infrared radiation signal of the target local area in the scene to be measured.

[0037] It should be understood that the target pixel here refers to a set of pixels, each of which absorbs the infrared radiation of the corresponding sub-region and converts it into a first electrical signal, and the first electrical signal output by the target pixel is integrated by the readout circuit 3 with a first integration time to output a second electrical signal. It should be noted that the first electrical signal mentioned in the embodiment of the present application is a current signal, and the second electrical signal is a voltage signal.

[0038] The integration time is the time for the pixel to absorb infrared radiation. The readout circuit 3 can integrate the first electrical signal output by the pixel with a uniform integration time. Since the infrared radiation emitted per unit time by each sub-area in the scene to be measured is different, the first electrical signal output by each pixel is also different. After integration by the readout circuit 3 and subsequent processing, it is finally reflected in the infrared image as the color difference and the depth of the color. Since one of the application scenarios of the present application is to further analyze the local area in the generated infrared image, the initial integration time can reflect the time for the pixel in the pixel array 1 to absorb infrared radiation in the process of generating the existing infrared image, and the first integration time can reflect the time for the target pixel to absorb infrared radiation in the process of generating the local area of ​​the existing infrared image.

[0039] It should be understood that the above description of the initial integration time and the first integration time is based on a specific application scenario, and the essential difference between the initial integration time and the first integration time lies in the difference in the number of pixels corresponding to the two. The number of pixels in the pixel array corresponding to the initial integration time is greater than the number of pixels of the target pixel, and the comparison between the number of pixels corresponding to the initial integration time and the number of pixels corresponding to the first integration time is a relative comparison. In other words, the pixel corresponding to the initial integration time can be the entire pixel array or a subset of the pixel array.

[0040] Blurred details in some areas of infrared images refer to the smooth color gradient of infrared images, unclear division of boundary areas, or oversaturation of local highlights. The former is insufficient clarity, and the latter is too bright. The lack of clarity is due to the low intensity of infrared radiation absorbed by the pixel and the short integration time. When the intensity of infrared radiation absorbed by the pixel increases, the details of temperature differences can be more significant, making it easier for subsequent analog-to-digital processing and image processing to distinguish tiny details and changes, forming a clearer image. The reason for the excessive brightness is that the infrared radiation absorbed by the pixel is too strong and the integration time is too long. At this time, the electrical signal output by the pixel exceeds its linear working range and reaches the saturation point. That is to say, even if the pixel continues to receive radiation and the integration time is extended, the electrical signal output will not increase, resulting in the area represented in the infrared image being white.

[0041] In the application scenario provided by the above embodiment, since the controller 2 of the present application can output an integration control signal to the readout circuit 3, and the first integration time indicated by the integration control signal is different from the initial integration time, the time for the target pixel corresponding to the target local area on the obtained infrared image to absorb infrared radiation will change compared with the original time. For example, the original infrared radiation intensity absorbed by the target pixel in the initial time integration is low, resulting in unclear local areas of the generated infrared image, but the infrared radiation intensity absorbed by the target pixel in the first integration time that is longer than the initial time integration is sufficient to support the clarity of the newly generated infrared image (reflecting the local area of ​​the generated infrared image).

[0042] And the target pixel detects the infrared radiation signal of the target local area in the infrared image of the scene to be measured. By selecting the target pixel in the pixel array and processing it centrally by the controller 2, a more accurate infrared radiation measurement can be performed for a specific local position in the scene to be measured. Since only the specific local position in the scene to be measured is processed, the processing efficiency is improved while saving computing resources.

[0043] As a possible implementation, for example, Figure 2 As shown. The controller 2 is also used to receive a trigger signal and output an integral control signal to the readout circuit 3 based on the trigger signal. The trigger signal is used to indicate to increase or decrease the integration time of the readout circuit. The controller 2 includes a control circuit 21 and a register 22. The control circuit 21 is used to increase or decrease the initial value of the register 22 when receiving the trigger signal; the register 22 is used to generate an integral control signal according to the size of the initial value.

[0044] The number of bits of register 22 determines the maximum value that register 22 can store. The integration time is related to the value stored in register 22. The value stored in register 22 is used to count the number of clock cycles. After each clock cycle, the counter of register 22 decreases by 1. When the value in register 22 decreases to 0, the timing ends. The value stored in register 22 is used to control the start signal (INTDATA_INIT signal) and end signal (INTDATA signal) of the integration. The integration time is (end time count-start time count)*clock cycle. The initial value of register 22 is also the integration time. The size of the initial value is less than or equal to the maximum value that register 22 can store. When the initial value of register 22 is larger, it means that it takes a longer clock cycle for the counter of register 22 to return to 0, that is, the longer the integration time is. Similarly, the smaller the initial value of register 22 is, the shorter the integration time is. Since the control circuit 21 can adjust the initial value of the register 22 when receiving the trigger signal, and the trigger signal indicates to increase or decrease the integration time of the readout circuit, when the integration time needs to be extended, the control circuit 21 controls the initial value of the register 22 to increase, and when the integration time needs to be shortened, the control circuit 21 controls the initial value of the register 22 to decrease. The register 22 can generate an integration control signal according to the size of the initial value. As a possible implementation method, the controller is specifically used to receive a target pixel selection signal and select a target pixel in the pixel array based on the target pixel selection signal. The target pixel selection signal includes the position information of the target local area in the infrared image of the scene to be measured. Since the target selection signal includes the position information of the target local area in the infrared image of the scene to be measured, and each pixel in the pixel array corresponds to an area in the infrared image of the scene to be measured, the target pixel corresponding to the target local area can be matched.

[0045] In some embodiments, Figure 3 As shown, the readout circuit 3 includes an integration circuit 31 and a sampling and holding circuit 32. The first input terminal 31-1 of the integration circuit 31 is connected to the controller 2, the second input terminal 31-2 of the integration circuit 31 is connected to the pixel array 1, the output terminal 31-3 of the integration circuit 31 is connected to the input terminal 32-1 of the sampling and holding circuit 32, and the output terminal 32-2 of the sampling and holding circuit 32 is used to output the second electrical signal. The integration circuit is used to integrate and amplify the first electrical signal output by the target pixel in the pixel array 1 based on the integration control signal from the controller 2. The sampling and holding circuit 32 is used to sample and hold the integrated and amplified first electrical signal and output the second electrical signal.

[0046] As a possible implementation, Figure 4 As shown, Figure 43 is a diagram showing the composition of the integration circuit. The integration circuit 31 includes an integration capacitor 311, a first switch 312, a second switch 313 and an amplifier 314. The control end of the first switch 312 is connected to the first input end 31-1 of the integration circuit 31, the first end of the first switch 312 is connected to the second input end 31-2 of the integration circuit 31, and the second end of the first switch 312 is connected to the inverting end of the amplifier 314. The first electrode of the integration capacitor 311 is connected to the inverting end of the amplifier 314, and the second electrode of the integration capacitor 311 is connected to the output end of the amplifier 314. The output end of the amplifier 314 is connected to the output end 31-3 of the integration circuit 31. The non-inverting end of the amplifier 314 is configured to receive a reference voltage signal VREF. The control end of the second switch 313 is configured to receive a reset signal from the controller 2, and the reset signal is used to control the second switch 313 to close, so as to reset the integration circuit 31. The first end of the second switch 313 is connected to the inverting end of the amplifier 314, and the second end of the second switch 313 is connected to the output end of the amplifier 314.

[0047] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the following is a clearer explanation of the integration circuit and the sampling circuit. Figure 5 3 is a timing diagram of the integration circuit and the sampling circuit. When the control end of the first switch 312 receives a high level, that is, the integration control signal is at a high level, it is closed. When the control end of the first switch 312 receives a low level, it is disconnected. When the first switch 312 is closed, the first electrical signal can be transmitted to the integration circuit for integration and output. The second switch 313 is closed when it receives a high level, and the second switch 313 is disconnected when the reset signal is at a low level. Since the target pixel is a pixel set, the integration circuit needs to be reset after the first electrical signal of one pixel in the target pixel is integrated and output.

[0048] In the initial stage, that is, at time T1, the reset signal is at a high level, and the second switch 313 is closed, which means that the integral capacitor 311 is reset, the charge stored in the integral capacitor is cleared, and the output of the amplifier 314 is forced to maintain the level of the reference voltage signal VREF. When the reset signal is at a low level, the second switch 313 is disconnected, and after a certain clock cycle, that is, at time T2, the integral control signal changes from a low level to a high level, and the first switch 312 switches from an open state to a closed state, and begins to integrate the first electrical signal output by one of the target pixels.

[0049] The closed state of the first switch 312 lasts until the moment T3. During this process, the pixel continuously absorbs infrared radiation and outputs the first electrical signal to the integration circuit 31 after photoelectric conversion. The first electrical signal is a current signal. The current continuously accumulates charge on the integration capacitor 311, and the output voltage of the amplifier 314 begins to decrease linearly. When the moment T3 is reached, the output voltage of the amplifier 314 reaches the maximum value of the change, and the integration ends.

[0050] The sampling circuit determines whether to be in the sampling state or the holding state according to the level of the sampling signal and the holding signal. When the sampling signal is at a high level, the sampling circuit samples the signal output from the output terminal 31-3 of the integration circuit 31. Figure 5 It can be seen that Figure 5 The first time when the sampling signal changes from low level to high level is earlier than the time T2 when the first switch 312 is closed, which means that when the sampling and holding circuit samples the output voltage of the amplifier 314, the integral capacitor 311 starts to charge. When the sampling and holding circuit samples the output voltage of the amplifier 314 to the time T4, the holding signal changes from low level to high level state, and the sampling and holding circuit enters the holding state. Figure 5 It can be seen that the time T4 is later than the time T3 when the first switch 312 is first switched from closed to open, which means that the sampling is completed. At the time T5, the sampling signal changes from a high level to a low level, and the sampling and holding circuit outputs a second electrical signal indicating that the sampling is completed, completing the processing of one of the target pixels. Then, the next sampling cycle is entered, and the process of resetting, integrating, sampling, holding, and outputting is restarted until the processing of each of the target pixels is completed.

[0051] In some embodiments, Figure 6 As shown, the infrared detector also includes a processing circuit 4. The processing circuit 4 is used to receive the second electrical signal from the readout circuit 3, perform analog-to-digital conversion on the second electrical signal, and output infrared image data of the target local area. The second electrical signal is an analog electrical signal, which becomes a digital signal after analog-to-digital conversion, which is more convenient for data transmission.

[0052] For example, Figure 7 As shown, the embodiment of the present application also provides an infrared imaging system. The infrared imaging system 200 includes a host computer 50 and the infrared detector 100 as described above. The host computer 50 is connected to the infrared detector 100. The host computer 50 is used to receive infrared image data collected from the infrared detector 100 and output an infrared image. The target pixel selection signal is output to the infrared detector 100. The trigger signal is output to the infrared detector 100. Among them, the target pixel selection signal includes the position information of the target pixel in the pixel array, and the trigger signal is used to indicate the adjustment of the integration time of the infrared detector 100.

[0053] The host computer 50 generates an infrared image based on the infrared image data sent by the infrared detector 100. As a possible scenario, when the local position of the infrared image is not satisfactory, or the user needs to enlarge the local position of the infrared image in order to obtain a more accurate picture, the host computer 50 can send a target selection signal to the controller 2 of the infrared detector 100 so that the controller 2 selects part of the pixels in the pixel array. Since the target pixel selection signal includes the position information of the target pixel in the pixel array, the controller 2 can accurately select the target pixel. At the same time, the host computer 50 sends a trigger signal to the controller 2 of the infrared detector 100, so that the initial value of the register 22 in the controller 2 changes, thereby changing the integration time. The infrared detector 100 generates new infrared image data and sends it to the host computer 50, and the host computer 50 generates a new infrared image showing the local area of ​​the target.

[0054] As a possible implementation, based on the clarity of the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel being lower than the first preset requirement, the trigger signal is used to instruct to increase the integration time of the infrared detector. Based on the brightness of the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel being higher than the second preset requirement, the trigger signal is used to instruct to reduce the integration time of the infrared detector.

[0055] Taking the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel as the infrared image of the target local area as an example, when the clarity of the new infrared image of the target local area is lower than the first preset requirement, it means that the integration time needs to be extended, so the trigger signal is used to indicate the increase of the integration time of the infrared detector. When the brightness of the new infrared image of the target local area is higher than the second preset requirement, it means that the integration time needs to be shortened, so the trigger signal is used to indicate the reduction of the integration time of the infrared detector.

[0056] As a possible implementation, the host computer 50 is also used to output the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel after receiving the infrared image data corresponding to the target pixel from the infrared detector. Based on the clarity of the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel being lower than the first preset requirement or the brightness being higher than the second preset requirement, a trigger signal is output to the infrared detector 100 again. Until the clarity of the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel meets the first preset requirement or the brightness meets the second preset requirement, the trigger signal is stopped.

[0057] Still taking the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel as the infrared image of the target local area as an example, since the purpose of extending or shortening the integration time is to obtain a clearer infrared image of the target local area, after the target pixel absorbs infrared radiation once and transmits the converted first electrical signal to the readout circuit, the controller 2 sends an integration control signal to the readout circuit 3, and the readout circuit 3 integrates the first electrical signal according to the first integration time indicated by the integration control signal to output the second electrical signal, until the subsequent host computer 50 processes the second electrical signal to generate the infrared image of the target local area, the result obtained may still be unsatisfactory. Therefore, when the clarity of the infrared image of the target local area generated by the host computer 50 is lower than the first preset requirement or the brightness is higher than the second preset requirement, it needs to be repeated continuously. That is, the host computer 50 will send a trigger signal again to instruct the controller 2 to change the integration time until the clarity of the infrared image of the target local area meets the first preset requirement or the brightness meets the second preset requirement.

[0058] The present application also provides an infrared detector control method for controlling the infrared detector as described above. For example, Figure 8 The method comprises:

[0059] S1: The controller selects a target pixel in the pixel array.

[0060] The target pixel is a subset of the pixel array, and the number of pixels included in the target pixel is less than the number of pixels in the pixel array.

[0061] S2: The target pixel receives the infrared radiation signal and outputs a first electrical signal to the readout circuit based on the infrared radiation signal.

[0062] S3: The controller outputs an integration control signal to the readout circuit. The integration control signal is used to indicate a first integration time, and the first integration time is not equal to the initial integration time. The number of pixels in the pixel array corresponding to the initial integration time is greater than the number of pixels of the target pixel.

[0063] As a possible implementation, the first integration time is greater than or less than the initial integration time. In some situations, such as when the local target area in the infrared image is unclear or the operator is interested and wants to focus on observation, it is necessary to enhance the distinction of small temperature differences, so it is necessary to extend the integration time to make the target pixel absorb more infrared radiation. In this case, the first integration time is greater than the initial integration time. In other situations, such as when the local target area in the infrared image is oversaturated, it is necessary to reduce the integration time to make the target pixel absorb less infrared radiation. In this case, the first integration time is less than the initial integration time.

[0064] S4: The readout circuit integrates the first electrical signal output by the target pixel with a first integration time, and outputs a second electrical signal.

[0065] In some embodiments, the controller outputs the integral control signal to the readout circuit and the readout circuit integrates the first electrical signal output by the target pixel with the first integration time and outputs the second electrical signal, and repeats the steps N times until the clarity of the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel meets the first preset requirement or the brightness meets the second preset requirement, and the secondary controller stops outputting the integral control signal to the readout circuit. Wherein, N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and the first integration times in the N cycles are not equal to each other and are not equal to the initial integration time.

[0066] Reference Figure 1 , generating an infrared image of a local target area requires the following steps: the target pixel absorbs infrared radiation and transmits the converted first electrical signal to the readout circuit 3, the controller 2 sends an integration control signal to the readout circuit 3, the readout circuit 3 integrates the first electrical signal according to the first integration time indicated by the integration control signal and outputs a second electrical signal, and the subsequent imaging system part processes the second electrical signal to generate an infrared image of the local target area. Although the first integration time is different from the initial integration time, the infrared image generated after executing the generation step of the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel once may still be in a blurred state. The step of the controller 2 outputting the integration control signal to the readout circuit, and the step of the readout circuit 3 integrating the first electrical signal output by the target pixel with the first integration time, are executed N times in a cycle, and the first integration times in the N cycles are not equal, and are not equal to the initial integration time, which ensures that the amount of infrared radiation absorbed by the target pixel changes each time, until the infrared image of the local target area that satisfies the operator is output.

[0067] In some embodiments, the initial integration time and the first integration time in N cycles are gradually increased or gradually decreased. The initial integration time and the first integration time in N cycles are gradually increased, which is suitable for the case where the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel is still unclear, and the initial integration time and the first integration time in N cycles are gradually decreased, which is suitable for the case where the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel is still bright.

[0068] The gradual increase of the first integration time in N cycles means that the difference between the first integration time and the initial time will increase after each cycle, and the gradual decrease of the first integration time in N cycles means that the difference between the first integration time and the initial time will decrease after each cycle. Since the integration time determines how much infrared radiation is absorbed by the pixel, when the infrared radiation absorbed by the target pixel and the detail resolution of the infrared image are the highest, that is, when the difference between the infrared radiation absorbed by the target pixel and the infrared radiation that should be absorbed by the target pixel in an ideal state is large, the gradual increase or decrease of the difference between the first integration time and the initial time is conducive to reducing the number of cycles, and generating a higher quality infrared image of the local area of ​​the target in a shorter time and fewer times.

[0069] In other embodiments, the difference between the initial integration time and the first integration time in the first cycle, and the difference between the first integration time in any two adjacent cycles are equal. Alternatively, the difference between the initial integration time and the first integration time in the first cycle is T1, and the difference between the first integration time in any two adjacent cycles is T2, and T1 is not equal to T2.

[0070] Compared with the strategy that the difference between the first integration time and the initial time gradually increases or decreases as the number of cycles gradually increases, this embodiment provides two more strategies. The first is that the difference between the first integration time and the initial time does not change with the increase in the number of cycles, and the integration time is always extended or shortened with a fixed step. The second is that from the second cycle onwards, until the infrared image corresponding to the clear target pixel is generated, the integration time is always extended or shortened with a fixed step length T2 on the basis of the previous integration time. The difference between the first integration time of the first cycle and the initial integration time of the first time is T1. The use of the cyclic strategy in this embodiment will make the change of the integration time more uniform. From the perspective of the infrared image corresponding to the generated target pixel, the gap between the two adjacent infrared images generated is smoother, avoiding the phenomenon that the previous imaging is unclear and the next imaging is oversaturated in the process of cyclically generating infrared images.

[0071] As a possible implementation, before the controller outputs an integration control signal to the readout circuit in step S3, the infrared detector control method further includes: S21: receiving a trigger signal, and outputting an integration control signal to the readout circuit based on the trigger signal; the trigger signal is used to indicate increasing or decreasing the integration time of the readout circuit.

[0072] As a possible implementation, before step S1: the controller selects the target pixel in the pixel array, the infrared detector control method further includes: S0: the controller receives a target pixel selection signal, and selects the target pixel in the pixel array based on the target pixel selection signal; the target pixel selection signal includes the position information of the target pixel in the pixel array. The controller obtains the position information of the target pixel in the pixel array by receiving the target pixel selection signal, so as to make an accurate selection.

[0073] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present application after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. The present application is intended to cover any modification, use or adaptation of the present application, which follows the general principles of the present application and includes common knowledge or customary technical means in the art that are not disclosed in the present application.

[0074] Finally, it should be noted that the above are only specific implementations of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An infrared detector, characterized in that: It includes a pixel array, a controller and a readout circuit; The controller is used to select a target pixel in the pixel array; the target pixel in the pixel array is used to receive an infrared radiation signal and output a first electrical signal to the readout circuit based on the infrared radiation signal; The controller is further used to output an integration control signal to the readout circuit; the integration control signal is used to indicate a first integration time, and the first integration time is not equal to the initial integration time; wherein the number of pixels in the pixel array corresponding to the initial integration time is greater than the number of pixels of the target pixel; The readout circuit is used to integrate the first electrical signal output by the target pixel with the first integration time, and output a second electrical signal.

2. The infrared detector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller is further used to receive a trigger signal, and output the integration control signal to the readout circuit based on the trigger signal; the trigger signal is used to instruct to increase or decrease the integration time of the readout circuit; The controller includes a control circuit and a register; The control circuit is used to increase or decrease the initial value of the register when receiving the trigger signal; The register is used to generate the integral control signal according to the size of the initial value.

3. A method for controlling an infrared detector, characterized in that: The control method is applied to the infrared detector according to claim 1 or 2; the method comprises: The controller selects a target pixel in the pixel array; The target pixel receives the infrared radiation signal and outputs a first electrical signal to a readout circuit based on the infrared radiation signal; The controller outputs an integration control signal to the readout circuit; the integration control signal is used to indicate a first integration time, and the first integration time is not equal to the initial integration time obtained; wherein the number of pixels in the pixel array corresponding to the initial integration time is greater than the number of pixels of the target pixel; The readout circuit integrates the first electrical signal output by the target pixel during the first integration time, and outputs a second electrical signal.

4. The infrared detector control method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first integration time is greater than or less than the initial integration time.

5. The infrared detector control method according to claim 3, characterized in that: Repeating the steps of the controller outputting an integral control signal to the readout circuit and the readout circuit integrating the first electrical signal output by the target pixel for the first integration time and outputting a second electrical signal for N times, until the clarity of the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel meets the first preset requirement or the brightness meets the second preset requirement, and then the controller stops outputting the integral control signal to the readout circuit; Wherein, N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and the first integration times in the N cycles are not equal to each other and are not equal to the initial integration time.

6. The infrared detector control method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The initial integration time and the first integration time in N cycles gradually increase or decrease.

7. The infrared detector control method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The difference between the initial integration time and the first integration time in the first cycle, and the difference between the first integration times in any two adjacent cycles are all equal; or, The difference between the initial integration time and the first integration time in the first cycle is T1, and the difference between the first integration times in any two adjacent cycles is T2, and T1 is not equal to T2.

8. The infrared detector control method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that: Before the controller outputs the integral control signal to the readout circuit, the infrared detector control method further includes: A trigger signal is received, and the integration control signal is output to the readout circuit based on the trigger signal; the trigger signal is used to instruct to increase or decrease the integration time of the readout circuit.

9. The infrared detector control method according to claim 8, characterized in that: Before the controller selects the target pixel in the pixel array, the infrared detector control method further includes: The controller receives a target pixel selection signal, and selects the target pixel in the pixel array based on the target pixel selection signal; the target pixel selection signal includes position information of the target pixel in the pixel array.

10. An infrared imaging system, characterized in that: It comprises a host computer and the infrared detector according to claim 1 or 2; the host computer is connected to the infrared detector; The host computer is used for: Receiving infrared image data collected by the infrared detector and outputting an infrared image; Outputting a target pixel selection signal to the infrared detector; the target pixel selection signal includes position information of the target pixel in the pixel array; A trigger signal is output to the infrared detector; the trigger signal is used to instruct to adjust the integration time of the infrared detector.

11. The infrared imaging system according to claim 10, characterized in that: Based on the clarity being lower than a first preset requirement, the trigger signal is used to instruct to increase the integration time of the infrared detector; Based on the brightness of the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel being higher than a second preset requirement, the trigger signal is used to instruct to reduce the integration time of the infrared detector.

12. The infrared imaging system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The host computer is also used for: After receiving the infrared image data corresponding to the target pixel from the infrared detector, outputting the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel; Based on the definition of the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel being lower than the first preset requirement or the brightness being higher than the second preset requirement, outputting the trigger signal to the infrared detector again; Until the clarity of the infrared image corresponding to the target pixel meets the first preset requirement or the brightness meets the second preset requirement, stop sending the trigger signal.

Images