Sensor system manufacturer FLIR Systems recently debuted two thermal-imaging cameras for the automotive industry.
The first camera, a next-generation thermal vision Automotive Development Kit (ADK), is designed to improve the safety of autonomous vehicles. The second camera, the handheld FLIR TG275, is for auto enthusiasts and professionals.
ADK uses a high-resolution FLIR Boson thermal camera and machine-learning algorithms. It uses data from the far infrared section of the electromagnetic spectrum to assist self-driving vehicles with decision-making in challenging situations such as haze, smoke, fog, sun glare, shadows or darkness.
“For automated decision making on the roadway, thermal-imaging cameras coupled with machine-learning capabilities provide the most effective method for pedestrian detection to save lives, particularly in cluttered environments or in poor visibility,” Jim Cannon, FLIR president and CEO, said. “Furthermore, the FLIR thermal-enhanced autonomous test vehicle demonstrates how thermal cameras can significantly improve urban, highway, and AEB performance and the overall safety of self-driving cars.”
The TG275 helps technicians and mechanics reduce diagnostic time and spot automotive problems early by detecting heat. Customers can then be shown before-and-after images of the issue.
It uses a FLIR Lepton thermal micro-camera and FLIR’s MSX technology to generate high-contrast details. Images taken by a visible light camera are superimposed onto the thermal images.