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As autonomous vehicles continue to evolve, ensuring their safety in low-visibility conditions has become increasingly critical. A team from Fraunhofer IOF is addressing this challenge with the development of a novel thermal imaging camera designed specifically for road traffic applications. This advanced infrared camera operates in the 8 to 14-micrometer wavelength range, where human thermal radiation is emitted, allowing for reliable detection of pedestrians and cyclists both day and night.
By supplementing traditional camera systems and sensors like LIDAR and RADAR, the thermal camera enhances visibility under challenging conditions without the need for active illumination. This can improve road safety and prevent accidents.
The new infrared camera features a unique flat design, measuring just 10 millimeters in thickness. It utilizes multiple small, cost-effective uncooled bolometer arrays, which are combined through software to create a high-resolution image of approximately 530 x 210 pixels, with a field of view of 34 x 13 degrees. The sensors have a catadioptric optics system made up of mirrors and prisms, resulting in the camera having fast optics (F/1.1) and high angular resolution (16 pixels/degree).
Its wide horizontal field of view allows the camera to detect obstacles effectively, even in poor lighting conditions such as darkness or glare from oncoming traffic, making it ideal for driver assistance systems and Level 3 and above autonomous vehicles.
The innovative camera is not only designed for autonomous vehicles; it also has the potential for various applications across different sectors. Utilizing commercially available infrared sensors and optics produced at wafer scale, the manufacturing process is simplified and cost-effective. Beyond automotive use, the camera can be applied to detect heat losses, monitor landfills, support fire department operations, and enhance industrial process monitoring.
With this groundbreaking technology, Fraunhofer IOF is paving the way for safer roads and broader applications, demonstrating the transformative potential of thermal imaging in a rapidly advancing world.
