Discover how a cutting-edge infrared camera developed by Fraunhofer IOF is set to enhance road safety, particularly for autonomous vehicles, by providing reliable detection of pedestrians and cyclists even in poor visibility conditions. This innovative technology utilizes commercially available components, making it a cost-effective solution for a wide range of applications. Thermal imaging and autonomous driving come together to create a safer future on the roads.
Empowering Autonomous Vehicles with Infrared Vision
As the seasons change and the weather becomes more unpredictable, road users face heightened risks due to deteriorating visibility conditions. This is particularly concerning for autonomous vehicles, where there may not be a human constantly monitoring the road ahead.
To address this challenge, a team of researchers from Fraunhofer IOF has developed a revolutionary infrared camera that operates in the 8 to 14 micrometer wavelength range – the same range where thermal radiation emitted by humans is found, day and night. By leveraging this technology, the camera can reliably detect pedestrians, cyclists, and other obstacles, even in poor lighting conditions or when faced with the glare of oncoming traffic.
Cost-Effective and Scalable Design for Wide Adoption
The core innovation behind this infrared camera lies in its unique design approach. The researchers drew inspiration from their experience with multi-aperture cameras, opting to build the camera from several small and cost-effective uncooled bolometer arrays. These individual image segments are then combined by software into a large overall image with a resolution of approximately 530 x 210 pixels, covering a field of view of 34 x 13 degrees.
By utilizing scalable and cost-effective lithographic methods in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology ISIT, the team has succeeded in creating a highly compact and efficient camera. The resulting design features fast optics (F/1.1), high angular resolution (16 pixels/degree), and a space-saving form factor of just 10 millimeters, making it an attractive solution for a wide range of applications, including autonomous vehicles.
Versatile Applications Beyond Autonomous Driving
While the primary focus of this infrared camera is to enhance safety in autonomous driving, the technology offers a wide range of potential applications beyond the automotive industry.
For instance, the camera can be used for detecting heat losses, safety applications for monitoring landfills, or during fire department operations. In the industrial sector, the camera can provide new concepts for process monitoring, allowing for more efficient and safer operations.
By leveraging the power of thermal imaging and the cost-effective design, this innovative camera has the potential to revolutionize various industries, improving safety and efficiency across a diverse range of applications.
