Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging is the process of detecting long-wave infrared (LWIR) or far infrared energy and converting it into a visual image. The image(s), rendered through analog or digital video outputs, depict the spatial distribution of heat in either shades of grey or with a specific color palette. The hotter the object, the more energy it emits.

The detection of an object's thermal radiation (its heat signature) is influenced by many factors (almost always object dependent or environment dependent).

However, and even if thermal cameras remain sensitive to environmental conditions, they represent key assets in detection in the ADAS context. They are particularly suited for detection of living beings in low-dimmed and hazy environments and are completely unaffected by sun glare. Thermal cameras are therefore increasing detection robustness by perfectly complementing visible light cameras.