| Thermal Imager |
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How a ThermaI Imagers WorksAll objects have a certain temperature and emit waves of energy called infrared radiation. Hot objects emit more energy than cold objects. A thermal imager translates these energy waves into a viewable image, which shows a “heat picture” of a scene. On the screen of a thermal imager set to white-hot, hotter objects show as white, cooler objects show as black, and objects in between these temperatures are displayed in shades of gray. In some respects, the detector in the thermal imager is similar to the human eye. The thermal imager’s detector (called a focal plane array, or FPA) and the eye are both receivers. They receive electromagnetic energy and convert it into an image for our brains to interpret. The eye receives wavelengths of energy called “visible light,” while the FPA receives wavelengths of heat energy called “infrared.” The human eye and the TI do not “see” through most materials. Drywall, plaster, concrete, steel, wood, paneling, down comforters, doors, sofas and the like are not transparent to visible light or infrared. They “see” only what is on the surface: colors for the eye, temperature differences for the TI. However, due to the unique characteristics of IR, you can see through thick smoke.
Videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fx7_D0E7zg&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PL3IuPREXo&feature=related
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| Night Vision |
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Night Vision Intro The first thing you probably think of when you see the words night vision is a spy or action movie you've seen, in which someone straps on a pair of night-vision goggles to find someone else in a dark building on a moonless night. And you may have wondered "Do those things really work? Can you actually see in the dark?" The answer is most definitely yes. With the proper night-vision equipment, you can see a person standing over 200 yards (183 m) away on a moonless, cloudy night! Night vision can work in two very different ways, depending on the technology used.
How Night Vision Works All Starlight technology Night Vision Devices consist of several main parts: an objective lens, an eyepiece, a power supply and an image intensifier tube (Photocathode Tube). Night vision devices gather existing ambient light (starlight, moonlight or infra-red light) through the front lens. This light, which is made up of photons goes into a photocathode tube that changes the photons to electrons. The electrons are then amplified to a much greater number through an electrical and chemical process. The electrons are then hurled against a phosphorus screen that changes the amplified electrons back into visible light that you see through the eyepiece. The image will now be a clear green- hued amplified re-creation of the scene you were observing.
Videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ve23SDK7OZY http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6462134772429695507&ei=hhsgS6DTCouwqAPl8qT1Dg&q=night+vision&hl=en#
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| Night View Assist Night Vision |
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Current and Future Automotive Applications Thermal Imaging has long been used by the military to see in the dark in mission-critical situations, so it’s not surprising that it is being used in BMW’s new Night Vision driver assistance system. In using thermal imaging as the basis for the system, BMW engineers have opted for an approach that places greater focus on detecting people and animals at danger. Objects which radiate heat are shown particularly bright and are therefore drawn to the attention of the driver. In urban areas, lighting is usually sufficient for drivers to recognise dangers with the naked eye, but BMW Night Vision is most effective on country roads where pedestrians, cyclists and animals can be detected earlier. The system also has advantages on unlit streets or dark courtyards and poorly lit car parks. Australian accident statistics show that 45 per cent of fatal road accidents occur at night, even though more than two thirds of all driving is done during the day, so the new system addresses a serious issue - driving at night represents a significant potential danger. The thermal imaging camera covers a range of up to 300.A thermal imaging camera detects human beings, animals and objects in front of the car before they become visible to the human eye in the headlights. The image generated by the system is transmitted to the central Control Display within the car presenting objects detected with increasing brightness as a function of the heat detected by the camera – and therefore making human beings and animals particularly conspicuous. A video of the system can be seen here. The thermal imaging camera covers a range of up to 300 metres or almost 1,000 feet ahead of the car. BMW Night Vision therefore offers the driver particular benefits when driving over land, down narrow lanes, through gateways leading into courtyards, and into dark underground garages, significantly enhancing driving safety at night. BMW Night Vision presents a high-contrast black-and-white night image to the driver on the Control Display in the middle of the instrument panel. Benefiting from FIR technology, the driver only has to briefly check the Display in order to recognise a hazard. So using BMW Night Vision is comparable to looking into the interior mirror in the car. Videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UaTYX-ygG8
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Page Last Updated: Dec 09, 2009 (14:06:00)
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