CMOS and CCD sensors both convert light into electronic signals, with CMOS using pixel-level transistors for faster, energy-efficient processing, while CCD transfers charge across the chip for superior image quality but with slower speed and higher power consumption.

CCD vs CMOS Image Sensors: A Comprehensive Guide for Engineering Professionals

Credit cards embedded chips, national mints printed watermarks, and high-profile locations installed retina scanners all for the same reason—to protect information. As attackers grow smarter, so must defense.<a href="https://engineering.cmu.edu/directory/bios/shen-sheng.html" target="_blank">Sheng Shen</a>, along with collaborators at Penn State University, have developed a pixel-by-pixel approach to visible camouflage with hopes of scaling it for enhanced infrared surveillance, optical security, and anti-forgery protections.“Our collaborators came to us with brochosomes—a ‘magic’ structure leafhoppers produce to create a cloak effect to hide from predators,” said Shen, a professor of <a href="https://www.meche.engineering.cmu.edu/index.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">mechanical engineeringOpens in new window</a>. “We wanted to understand brochosomes’ optical limitations to see what more we could do with them.”Brochosomes are 3D soccer ball-like objects with nanoscale cavities that internally absorb light rather than reflect it onto outside structures. In nature, biologists suspect that this allows leafhoppers to blend in with their background.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1710755534602-0301-em-mirco-mirage-3.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">To test functionality, the team simulated two different versions of the structure, one with cavities for light absorption and one without.“There is a fundamental law in physics that if a structure is a good absorber of energy, it can emit an equal amount of energy,” explained Zhuo Li, Ph.D. candidate at Carnegie Mellon. “We quickly realized that if we put both structures together, one would emit more energy than the other. That would make one appear brighter to an infrared camera than the other.”And so began the development of the world’s smallest QR code.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1710755551949-0301-em-micro-mirage-1.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Using an advanced 3D printing technique, developed by the Penn State collaborators, the team controlled whether each pixel was printed as a structure with or without holes, allowing them to fabricate a QR code readable by infrared camera alone.Sizing up at less than two percent of an inch, the code is only visible under a microscope but both teams plan to explore ways to scale it for commercial use too.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x54k-rT5OAA?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe>“With this technology we are ultimately distorting an objects’ thermal signature,” said Li. “We have the power to disguise how objects are displayed on an infrared camera. Hypothetically, if we laid the brochosome pixels accordingly, we could paint a patrol car to appear as a delivery van to infrared security.”The team’s unique combination of visible camouflage and infrared display creates new opportunities for data encryption and optical security.<blockquote>We’ve taken infrared light and turned it from an energy carrier to an information carrier.<cite>Shen Sheng, Professor, Mechanical Engineering</cite></blockquote>“This is just the start of a new research area my team can explore,” said Sheng. “We’ve taken infrared light and turned it from an energy carrier to an information carrier.”This research was done in collaboration with The Pennsylvania State University researchers Dr. Lin Wang and Professor Tak-Sing Wong. It was first published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adl4027" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Science AdvancesOpens in new window</a>. Zhuo Li and Lin Wang contributed equally to this work. The authors acknowledge support from the Department of Defense Office of Naval Research.

Researchers fabricate the world’s smallest QR code that, invisible to the naked eye, encrypts information to only be visible by an infrared camera lens.

Micro mirage: the infrared information carrier

Author: FERNANDO ZICARELLI (Printed Electronics Product Manager) |&nbsp;<a target="_self" href="mailto:f.zicarelli@e2ip.com" data-test-app-aware-link="">f.zicarelli@e2ip.com</a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/e2ip-technologies/" data-test-app-aware-link="" target="_blank">E2IP TECHNOLOGIES</a> manufactures Flexible Heaters using Screen Printing Technology. We use flexible and conformable inks for the manufacturing of our heaters. Printed heaters can be manufactured in high volumes using print processes such as flatbed, rotary, and roll-to-roll presses. The size of the order and complexity of the device determines the equipment that we would use.Typical applications are Airplane/Automotive interiors, Battery and fuel cell heating, Hand tools, De-icing, Defogging, Medical, Display panels or touchscreens, Food and drink tempering, Heating for trains, mobile homes, and caravans.<figure><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1710066396502-1710066396501.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></figure><figure><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1710066396285-1710066396285.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><figcaption>Join us and the global industry in Boston on 12 &amp; 13 June 2024. Register before early bird expires on 22 March 2024. Explore program here&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>Thermal Management Solutions is a hot topic of discussion in recent months; we at E2IP Technologies have multiple solutions for every application. We currently make 4 types of heaters: Serpentine (left picture), Resistive, PTC (right picture) and Transparent heaters (see below).Each type has its advantages and disadvantages which are highlighted below:&nbsp;A. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Serpentine heaters are made with metallic pastes which are screen printed with materials such as silver, copper, silver/carbon, graphene, and our own Silver Salt Minks. &nbsp;They are a very cost-effective solution since most of the time you only need one single printed layer of a serpentine pattern (as electricity flows through the conductive traces by applying specific voltage levels will cause the metal to heat up). &nbsp;These types of heaters are usually printed on PI, PC, PET, Kapton and TPUs.&nbsp;B. Fixed Resistance heaters combined a layer of silver paste with a resistive paste to obtain the desired value. Mixing of the resistor inks is one of the most important steps in the manufacturing of these heaters. They normally require only 2 printing steps, but a dielectric layer is sometimes added to protect from physical damage. They can be printed on PI, PC, PET, Kapton and TPUs as well.&nbsp;C. PTC heaters are made with conductive inks and a specialty formulated carbon inks (for temperature output) which are arrayed in parallel as resistors tiles. As electricity flows through the conductive traces to the carbon tiles, the temperature increases in the tiles (and so does the resistance). Both the temperature and the resistance will continue to rise until the resistance is too high for electricity to flow through (this is called the Shut-off point). Afterwards, the tiles begin to cool down until the resistance is low enough for the electricity to begin flowing again. PTC heaters normally require only 2 printing steps, but a dielectric layer is sometimes added to protect from physical damage. They can be printed on PI, PC, PET, Kapton and TPUs as well.&nbsp;D. Transparent Heaters are new to the industry and are becoming essential for LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and other applications. The technology sends beams of light towards and object and then it measures the time it takes for the reflections to be detected by the sensor. These heaters are printed grids of silver with different levels of line widths and pitch distances. 90-100% transparency is not needed for applications where defrosting and defogging is needed, but in the case of cameras and sensors, it is absolutely required. Very specific substrates are used for this technology as the surface tension is extremely important to be able to produce fine line patterns.<figure><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1710066397327-1710066397327.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></figure> Flexible printed heaters rely on a range of conductive, resistive, and dielectric pastes which are deposited on flexible substrates, such as thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), polyester (PET) and Kapton. Through specific patterns and deposition levels, our engineers tailor flexible heaters to meet specified operating parameters based on the application. Printed heaters typically have a good bend radius which is a function of the materials used and heater thickness. A good rule of thumb for a flexible printed heater is to have a minimum bend radius of 0.4 in. (1 cm). We recommend that power supplied to the heater to be constant for the temperature to remain constant.For a Typical PTC Heater, the selection of the correct ink is essential to obtaining the desired; below you can see the temperature range and electrical specifications: <ul><li>Input voltage: 5 to 250 V (AC or DC)</li><li>Drive current: at startup less than 2 A</li><li>PTC inks available: 40°-115°C</li></ul> Thermal Management Solutions are different in most cases, we would like to encourage anyone to contact our Technical Team to discuss your application.Author: FERNANDO ZICARELLI (Printed Electronics Product Manager) |&nbsp;<a target="_self" href="mailto:f.zicarelli@e2ip.com" data-test-app-aware-link="">f.zicarelli@e2ip.com</a>Join the global industry in Boston and Berlin and let us RESHAPE the Future of Electronics.&nbsp;<a target="_self" href="https://www.techblick.com/registration" data-test-app-aware-link="">Register before 22 March 2024 for early bird rates</a><figure><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1710066397129-1710066397129.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></figure>

E2IP Technologies manufactures Flexible Heaters using Screen Printing Technology. This is one of the most important segments of printed and additive electronics with applications in cars, homes, and industrial settings. 

Thermal and Heating Solutions for Printed Electronics

At Caracol, we constantly work to improve and perfect our technology&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/quality/" id="isPasted" tabindex="0" target="_blank">#quality</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/accuracy/" tabindex="0" target="_blank">#accuracy</a> throughout the production process. Thanks to the continuous improvement work conducted by our R&amp;D engineers, we&rsquo;ve recently integrated thermal monitoring systems and Infrared (IR) cameras on our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/lfam/" tabindex="0" target="_blank">#LFAM</a> process. The top layer IR video lets us analyze thermal evolution in time and space and identify hot and cold areas. This allows us to guarantee optimal surface adhesion between printed layers, monitor the progress and precision throughout the job, and automatically detect defects to ultimately deliver zero-defect production and the best properties on our final printed parts.

Caracol has introduced thermal monitoring and Infrared (IR) cameras on our #LFAM technology, to deliver zero-defect production and the best properties on final printed parts.

Infrared Cameras for Large Format Additive Manufacturing

Lines on a map don’t follow the path of least resistance. Towering mountains, jagged shorelines, and barren landscapes that once served as effective borders are now playgrounds for the opportunistic. That meandering, invisible line that skirts through corridors of geography is what separates everything and everyone that you’ve sworn to protect from the everchanging threats that jeopardize their well-being. Effectively monitoring, navigating, and defending vast areas of terrain is key to safeguarding the land that once held its own.&nbsp;Elusive, well-equipped border security threats can push traditional patrols to the brink. When detection range directly affects response time, reliably spotting and determining the intentions of approaching individuals, vehicles, and UAS must occur faster than ever. FLIR integrated border solutions package the best surveillance technology into dynamic, scalable platforms to help operators make faster, more confident interdiction decisions.<h2>The Technology</h2>Vision is the cornerstone of every border surveillance platform. Pushing the boundaries of what we can see—from high ground and binoculars to electro-optics and infrared sensors—is the determining factor of a system’s efficacy. Optics innovation has dramatically expanded the capabilities of perimeter protection, where eyes-on-target is the gold standard for threat identification.<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GtNSD55bYus?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" style="width: 767px; height: 431px;"></iframe>FLIR sensors help officials detect unlawful and unsafe crossings of the English Channel&nbsp;Long-range IR imaging gives operators the ability to pinpoint humans, vehicles, and other heat-generating equipment in any lighting condition. The sensitivity of high-performance IR cameras captures key classification details in complete darkness and adverse weather conditions, such as whether a target is armed or if a vehicle is under power. Often combined with IR imaging in a multispectral, pan/tilt sensor, high-resolution visible light cameras offer unmatched identification to complement the 24/7 detection of infrared optics. The long-range capability of these daylight cameras helps capture license plate details, aircraft registration numbers, and individual characteristics.Achieving a new level of mission flexibility, unmanned aerial systems quickly cover grueling terrain where other means of navigation are impractical. Stabilized EO/IR payloads and advanced video analytics offer the perks of integrated multispectral imaging in a compact, highly maneuverable system. With up to 40 minutes of flight time or indefinite in-air replacement using multiple UAS, airborne surveillance is more feasible than ever.<blockquote>Combining optics, radar, and unmanned systems elevates each technology’s strengths while simultaneously covering any shortcomings.</blockquote><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1641451808379-sensorsborder4.png" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><h2 id="isPasted">An Integrated System</h2>Integrating complimentary technologies helps achieve a true tactical advantage while defending a perimeter. Combining optics, radar, and unmanned systems elevates each technology’s strengths while simultaneously covering any shortcomings. Radar cues multispectral cameras to focus on an approaching target’s position. IR cameras pinpoint and classify an armored vehicle under the cover of darkness. Visible light cameras capture key identifiers that radar and IR imaging can’t distinguish. A drone reestablishes eyes-on-target when line-of-sight is interrupted. The efficacy of a surveillance solution lies in the sum of its parts. The more specialized technologies operating in the same ecosystem, the greater your advantage.FLIR Cameleon command and control brings each detection technology into a streamlined interface to fully leverage GIS mapping, target tracking, and slew-to-cue camera controls. Whether operating in the field or from a dedicated command center, FLIR video management software integrates a virtually unlimited number of sensors into a networked solution.<blockquote>Integrated solutions serve as building blocks that are infinitely scalable and interchangeable. FLIR border solutions operate in a common ecosystem for unparalleled flexibility and expansion.</blockquote><h2>Added Versatility and Scalability</h2>Tapping vehicles, aircraft, and dismounted personnel to deliver various detection technologies creates a more dynamic, custom solution. The most effective strategy to reliably cover one 50-mile segment may change dramatically over the following 50 miles. Fortunately, integrated solutions serve as building blocks that are infinitely scalable and interchangeable. Whether current funding only covers the highest-risk 100 miles of a 200-mile problem, FLIR border solutions operate in a common ecosystem for unparalleled flexibility and expansion.Long-range IR and radar achieve impressive levels of coverage. But when your area of interest spans hundreds of miles, impressive often isn’t acceptable. Fixed-mount installations are effective but require significant levels of investment for a gapless perimeter. Mobile surveillance systems help address this challenge by offering versatility throughout challenging terrain. With decades of sensor leadership and innovation, FLIR is well-equipped to deliver high-performance surveillance technology as a vehicle-mounted or man-portable solution, regardless of SWaP-C constraints.Ground vehicles, such as the FLIR LVSS, allow a single operator to access remote, high-risk areas or effectively cover multiple waypoints in quick succession. The skid-based design converts a standard pickup truck into a mobile command center that can be deployed or packed up in minutes. For more demanding terrain, a compact camera/radar mast is installed onto an all-terrain vehicle chassis, offering short- to mid-range surveillance from a more rugged and nimble system.<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k2f9K2OpZhM?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" style="width: 768px; height: 429px;"></iframe><h2 id="isPasted">The Bottom Line</h2>Technology sheds a light on what lies beyond that darting line that once separated known from unknown. The intentions of those who crawl through the brush, walk under the cover of darkness, or speed through the desert will be known well before they reach the fence line—if there is one.Unified optics, radar, UAS, and command software create a true tactical advantage to quickly detect, track, and intercept approaching threats. These integrated solutions help operators make informed mission-critical decisions for safer force protection and more secure borders.

Vision is the cornerstone of every border surveillance platform. Pushing the boundaries of what we can see—from high ground and binoculars to electro-optics and infrared sensors—is the determining factor of a system’s efficacy.

Resolving Border Security Threats with Integrated Solutions

Thermal imaging cameras and non-contact infrared (IR) thermometers are both used for non-contact temperature measurements in a wide variety of applications. Both tools work according to the same principle: they detect infrared radiation and translate it into a temperature reading. Thermal cameras however, have several advantages compared to IR thermometers.&nbsp;An IR thermometer, also known as a spot pyrometer or a temp gun, gives you a single number—the temperature measurement of a single spot on your target. A thermal imaging camera gives you temperature readings for each pixel of the entire thermal image, and allows you to visualize an entire scene in thermal. Thermal cameras can also resolve temperatures from a longer distance, allowing the user to quickly inspect large areas.<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1629888798363-circuit-panel-2.jpg" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">A thermal imaging camera can quickly identify hotspots in an image. &nbsp;</div>Because it works according to the same physical principle as a thermal camera, a IR thermometer can be seen as a thermal camera with only one pixel. While useful for many tasks, because it only measures the temperature of one single spot the operator can easily miss crucial information. &nbsp;<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1629888821742-tg54_lasers-jpeg-1200x628.jpg" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">An IR thermometer can only measure one spot at a time, meaning it might take longer to find a hotspot or other fault. &nbsp;</div><h2 id="isPasted">Measuring Temperatures from a Distance&nbsp;</h2>A major advantage of thermal imaging cameras compared to IR thermometers is that they can accurately measure temperatures from larger distances. The distance at which a certain thermal camera or an IR thermometer can accurately measure a target of a given size and still get an accurate temperature measurement is known as the Distance:Size ratio (D:S ratio).&nbsp;Most thermal cameras have a much larger D:S ratio than IR thermometers. The average IR thermometer, for instance, might be able to measure a 1 cm target at a distance of between 10 to 50 cm. Most thermal imaging cameras can accurately measure the temperature of a target of this size (1 cm) from several meters away.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.flir.com/products/tg54/" target="_blank">FLIR TG54</a> for instance, has a D:S ratio of 24:1, meaning it can measure a 1 cm target at 24 cm distance (or 1 inch target at 24 inches distance). The <a href="https://www.flir.com/products/e8-wifi/" target="_blank">FLIR E8</a>, a thermal camera with a 320 × 240 pixel resolution, has a D:S ratio of about 120:1, meaning it can measure a 1 cm target at a distance of 120 cm.(Note: while the D:S ratio is usually listed as one of the specs for IR thermometers, calculating the D:S ratio for thermal cameras takes a bit more legwork—check out our article <a href="https://www.flir.com/discover/professional-tools/understanding-distancesize-ratio/" target="_blank">Understanding Distance:Size Ratio</a> to find out how we came to this number.)<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1629888893975-t865-cropped.jpg" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Thermal cameras like the FLIR T865 are capable of accurately measuring temperature from long distances.&nbsp;</div>Many of the more advanced thermal imaging cameras feature interchangeable lenses, which affect the camera’s D:S ratio. The <a href="https://www.flir.com/products/t865/" target="_blank">FLIR T865</a> thermal imaging camera, for instance, can be paired with a 6° FOV telephoto lens to perform thermal inspections on targets from long distances.<h2>Measuring Thousands of Spot Temperatures at the Same Time</h2>Even if a hotspot is too small or far away to be accurately measured, a thermal camera may still be able to detect it when scanning over an area, giving the operator a chance to move closer and get a more accurate reading. IR thermometers, on the other hand, generally require you to already know where you expect the hot spot or area of interest to be before you try to measure it.Scanning large areas with many components using a IR thermometer is a time consuming task, because you have to scan every component separately. A thermal imaging camera can spot even tiny issues much more quickly.&nbsp;Tools like certain cameras in the <a href="https://www.flir.com/instruments/TG-Series/" target="_blank">FLIR TG-Series</a> combine the convenient form-factor of a traditional IR thermometer with a thermal imaging camera to help spot faults quickly.&nbsp;<h2 id="isPasted">Measuring Small Targets&nbsp;</h2>IR thermometers are also limited in their ability to measure temperature on small objects. This capability is increasingly important for electronics inspection. As our devices continue to fit faster processing speeds into even smaller packages, finding ways to dissipate the heat and identify hotspots is increasingly challenging.An IR thermometer can effectively detect and measure temperature, but its spot size may be too large for measuring extremely small components. However, thermal cameras with close-up optics can focus down to less than 5μm (micrometers) per pixel spot size. This allows engineers and technicians to make measurements on a very small scale.<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1629888929019-t865-circuit-board-cropped.jpg" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">High-performance thermal cameras can make measurments on a very small scale. &nbsp;</div><hr>A IR thermometer is a great, affordable tool for many applications, especially those at close range when you have a good idea of where exactly you need to measure. However, for distance applications or for scanning a large area quickly, a thermal camera is usually the better tool for the job. Learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flir.com/browse/professional-tools/test-amp-measurement/ir-thermometers/" id="isPasted" target="_blank">FLIR IR Thermometers</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flir.com/browse/industrial/handheld-thermal-cameras/" target="_blank">FLIR thermal handheld solutions</a>.

Thermal imaging cameras and non-contact infrared (IR) thermometers are both used for non-contact temperature measurements in a wide variety of applications. Both tools work according to the same principle: they detect infrared radiation and translate it into a temperature reading.  

What's the Difference Between IR Thermometers and Thermal Cameras?

This article is a part of our <a href="http://www.wevolver.com/student-program" target="_blank">University Technology Exposure Program</a>. The program aims to recognize and reward innovation from engineering students and researchers across the globe.This is a typical situation where the use of bio-location is used ineffectively. &nbsp;Dolphins are smart. They are clever enough to distinguish between useless tasks and really necessary ones. From the side of humans, it can be seen as unwillingness to perform learning tasks. Consider for example the Blue Game 2002 military training. The dolphins were airlifted to Denmark from San Diego in the US and housed in pairs in two large pools. During one of the training trips to the sea, the dolphin did not return to the support boat. The Navy decided to request help from a rescue helicopter to search for the dolphin from the air. After the helicopter took off from Slipshavn, a message came from the police that the dolphin was in Nyborg. As a result, a dolphin was quickly found frolicking in the inner harbor of the port [1,2]. This is approximately how freedom-loving animals react to the need for long-distance flights to search for dummies of mines.At the same time, when the dolphin himself decides to save a drowning person, then there are no problems. However, it is this skill of dolphins that is least often used. It&#39;s a matter of priorities. The technical possibilities of accommodation on rescue ships have existed for a long time. For instance, Dolphins are carried aboard Navy ships in large movable pools, about 20 feet in diameter &amp; traveled on the amphibious ship Gunston Hall in 2003 for the Iraq war [3].Below I will consider more complex examples of using another predator sensor apparatus for searching in the sea. Pattern recognition techniques can be complex, but they serve to make searching easier.<h2 id="isPasted">Signals processing from different sources to have a complete picture of the situation</h2>One of the important aspects is a separation of partial information useless for the primary user of the data, and useful for rescue services. &nbsp;The algorithms used by nature were tested for millions of years. There is a reason for people to use bionic principles to improve electronic surveillance technologies.<h2>The loss of signal</h2>The sunken ship disappears from radar screens and stops to transmit the signals. Data on the last radio contact give rapidly deteriorated information. In any case, it is used not only one point. The vectors are constructed as follows:&nbsp;<ul style="list-style-type: circle;"><li>Between the point of the last contact and the point, at which the ship would be located, if it moved at the same speed and in the same direction;&nbsp;</li><li>Vector to the point, at which the ship would be located with the power-on engine, if it drifted (towards the current);</li><li>Vector pointed to the opposite side of incoming waves (if necessary, the captain heads the ship to minimize side impacts of waves).&nbsp;</li></ul>All three vectors should be inside the initial spot of the search. They can considerably increase it, depending on the deterioration rate of information.<h3>Usage of data on the movement of marked sea predators</h3>A shark sensory apparatus has a high degree of perfection due to evolutionary processes. They recognize an odour very well, especially blood smell. The possibility of using this methodology means no good. If sharks smelled blood and changed their moving direction towards the accident site, it means that any of the survivors has open wounds. That direction can be well defined. The intersection of sharks&rsquo; moving directions is an area of the probable location of the survivors. For the success of a rescue operation, the survivors must be discovered before the sharks will find them. It should be noted that the moving directions of the sharks near the prey are less informative because predators prefer to unexpectedly attack and move in a composite path prior to the attack.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjI1NDkwMzM3ODUzLUZpZyAxLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Schematic single map with superimposition of data">Figure 1: Schematic single map with superimposition of data<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjI1NDkwMzkyODQzLUZpZyAyLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Schematic representation methodology based on codes that describe a separation by sequentially increasing resolution in selected range">Figure 2: Schematic representation methodology based on codes that describe a separation by sequentially increasing resolution in selected range.</div></div><h3>All methods mentioned above produce a pretty poor result in themselves</h3>Only superimposition of the data, for instance, information from different sources, on a single map can yield a result Figure 1. The formed sum of points on a map is processed by conventional mathematical methods for error estimation in order to define the search area.The methods for processing the images on the retina of different living beings and their applicability to change the operation algorithms of conventional equipment used for the same purpose have fundamentally been reviewed in detail by many scientists: Nobel Prize winners David H. Hubel and Torsten N Wiesel, and some others like Kaganitsky Grigory, Mary Carlson, Kevin R. Duffy, Rafael Gonzalez [7-9]. The selection of electromagnetic wavelength range is determined by the properties of the object to be found. Radio waves are best suited for search of the metal structure remains of the ship and infrared region &ndash; for the search of the survivors.The methodology is based on codes that describe a separation by sequentially increasing resolution in a selected range. Each scanning pass gives a more and more sophisticated picture. The analysis of intermediate results can be carried out in each phase, starting from the first scanning pass. If the boundary condition (object availability) is fulfilled, the codes responsible for the selected area become active, and the rest of the codes are blocked. At every next step with increasing resolution, the image details become more specific. In fact, a part of the analysis is performed outside the control centre, which receives code groups already prepared for identification Figure 2. &nbsp;A processing speed is assured due to information processing in parallel. The initial capturing of the group of objects occurs without contour extraction. Then, the division of identifiable objects and the construction of bundles between them based on the shortest distances take place. If there is a sector less in area than the spot of objects and bundles between them, which surrounds it, this sector is also captured for further analysis. With higher resolution in the selected areas based on previously given parameters, the sequence of the most significant targets is determined. The codes are compared in a sequence of targets, and in the absence of coincidence, the transfer to the next target of the group occurs. The continuously complicated group of codes arranged as linked lists is a result of such analysis constantly carried out.After the necessary and sufficient conditions are met for the identification of the objects, a full scanning is performed with the maximum resolution for the initial area, while prompt decisions are made regarding the identified objects. This means that utilizing these principles does not abolish a usual sequential scanning of the areas with maximum resolution, but gives an opportunity to promptly receive a discrete flow of the data (that becomes more and more detailed after every iteration) for potential quick reaction and problem-solving.The analysis can be simultaneously carried out with the use of several receivers that have different resolutions or types of signal injection (discrete and continuous). For example, the initial capture of the image can be performed with the help of video (low resolution), however, the identification of selected important areas is better performed using photo devices (high resolution). The range of lengths selected for infrared waves for the scan purpose should provide a maximum informational content for temperatures of about 36.6&deg; Celsius. No less important an opportunity to identify the object with the mentioned temperature that is located near a hotter object, i.e. if there is still a hot engine in the non-flooded compartment, and the survivor uses this fragment as a raft.<h2>Conclusion</h2>The critical situations caused by the accidents require a considerable quantity of online data for adequate reaction. Anyway, most part of the necessary information is gathered but used rarely and untimely. In any case, the sea predators also search for the survivors just like rescuers, but for another purpose. The data on the movement of marked sharks are very seldom used to advantage.A more complete understanding of how an eye scrutinizes the image can be applied to optical equipment used by rescuers. This article examined the bionic principles of processing the information for utilizing in future search operations.<h2>References</h2>1. Fladen i Korsor, Nr. 2 Juni 2002 <a data-lf-fd-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" href="http://www.marinehist.dk/FIKors/2002-2-FiKors.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.marinehist.dk/FIKors/2002-2-FiKors.pdf</a>2. S&oslash;v&aelig;rn&rsquo;s orientering, Nr. 2 Juni 2002 https://www.marinehist.dk/SVNORI/SVNORI-2002-02.pdf3. &quot;Navy dolphins, sea lions losing out to robots&quot; 2012 The San Diego Union-Tribune https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-navy-dolphins-sea-lions-losing-out-to-robots-2012nov30-story.html<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjRqZmD-PHyAhUDt4sKHfMKAm8QFnoECAMQAQ" href="https://ua.depositphotos.com/vector-images/s%C3%B8v%C3%A6rn.html?offset=100" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://ua.depositphotos.com/vector-images/s%25C3%25B8v%25C3%25A6rn.html%3Foffset%3D100&ved=2ahUKEwjRqZmD-PHyAhUDt4sKHfMKAm8QFnoECAMQAQ" target="_blank" id="isPasted"></a>4. David H. Hubel &amp; Wiesel, T N. (1979). Brain mechanisms of vision. Scientific American, 241, 150&mdash;162.5. David H. Hubel, David C. Freeman Brain Research V. 122, I. 2, 1977, PР 336&ndash;3436. David H. Hubel,Torsten N. Wiesel, Early Exploration of the Visual Cortex., Neuron V. 20, I. 3, 1998, PP. 401&ndash;4127. Rafael C. Gonzalez Richard E. Woods Digital Image Processing, Addison-Wesley Longman Publishing Co., Inc. Boston, MA, USA , 19928. Kevin R. Duffy, David H. Hubel, Vision Research V. 47, I. 19, 2007, PP. 2569&ndash;25749. Mary Carlson at al., Developmental Brain Research, V. 25, I. 1, 1986, PP. 71&ndash;81<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">About the University Technology Exposure Program 2022</h2>Wevolver, in partnership with <a href="https://mouser.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mouser Electronics</a> and <a href="https://www.ansys.com/academic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ansys</a>, is excited to announce the launch of the University Technology Exposure Program 2022. The program aims to recognize and reward innovation from engineering students and researchers across the globe. Learn more about the program <a href="http://www.wevolver.com/student-program" target="_blank">here</a>.<img alt="university-technology-exposure-program-mouser-ansys" src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjU3NDU2MDg2ODE2LTE2NTc0NTYwODY4MTYucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii">

US Navy's Mine-Hunting Dolphin Returning From Mission

Let's take the well-known sea-rescuer, the dolphin, for example.
Dolphin’s sensorium is more intended for the search of biological objects under water by use echolocation. At the same time, the military prefer to use dolphins to find metal objects (mines) rather than search & rescue drowning people

Fundamental Methodology Of Signals Processing During The Rescue Operations At Sea

As thermal imaging cameras detect long-wave infrared (LWIR) radiation, or heat, they are equally adept at detecting heat in daylight, in total darkness, or in blinding sun glare. They also work significantly better than visible cameras in smoke or in inclement weather such as fog. But what if thermal imaging and visible imaging, or RGB, could be fused together to create a comprehensive single image for improved awareness?That’s now possible thanks to <a href="https://www.foresightauto.com/quadsight-vision-solution/" target="_blank">QuadSight</a>, a multi-spectral vision solution from <a href="https://www.foresightauto.com/" target="_blank">Foresight</a>, an innovator in automotive vision systems. The QuadSight imaging system essentially combines data from two FLIR <a href="https://www.flir.com/products/boson/" target="_blank">Boson</a> thermal imaging cameras and two RGB cameras, hence quad, developed with a ground-breaking stereo imaging method by merging the strengths of each vision system technology. All four cameras are synced and run at 30 frames per second, featuring a unique, patent-pending technology that calibrates all cameras to a common coordinate axis, thus providing accurate pixel fusion between images received from the RGB and thermal cameras.<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1611499085405-foresight-quadsight-system-images.webp" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">An RGB image is shown on the left along with a thermal image at center. At right represents what the Foresight QuadSight system sees, offering greater awareness for driving in poor or high contrast lighting and/or harsh weather conditions through a combination of thermal and visible imaging.&nbsp;By using both thermal cameras and RGB cameras, QuadSight creates three-dimensional (3D) awareness of its surroundings across two parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, which serves complementary and redundancy roles for other sensing modalities, including LIDAR, radar, and ultrasonic. Within this context, QuadSight not only determines the distance and shape of objects in front of the vehicle, it also measures the heat of everything in view, enabling the system to more accurately classify if an object detected is a living thing. Afterall, living things such as people and other large mammals are the types of objects people least want to hit.<h2>How Stereo Vision Works</h2>Stereo vision works similar to human vision in that it’s based on triangulation of rays, in this case, through both left and right thermal and visible cameras, as compared to our left and right eyes. This way, Quadsight can provide depth perception by computing the distances to different objects in a given scene in real time. This is achieved by finding corresponding pixels between the camera stereo pairs and then triangulating the distance measurements through image processing and deep learning algorithms.<h2>Improving Safety by Detecting Objects and Distance Passively</h2>Stereo thermal and RGB cameras can be valuable for advanced driving assist systems (ADAS) that already exist today, such as automatic emergency braking (AEB), through to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sae.org/news/press-room/2018/12/sae-international-releases-updated-visual-chart-for-its-" target="_blank">level 4 and level 5</a> autonomous systems currently in development, making each level more reliable and safer. Not only could the QuadSight system tell the vehicle to slow down upon detecting any type of object on the road in any lighting condition, it could also provide redundant distance data, potentially with a vehicle’s LIDAR and radar systems, to ensure the vehicle makes the most appropriate decision for the circumstance.This feature is especially crucial in cluttered urban environments. As both visible and thermal cameras collect data passively, they can bridge information gaps that could develop from interference between competing active LIDAR or radar systems, making up for a reduction in fidelity, as well as in poor weather such as heavy rain, where LIDAR might be further challenged.<h2>True Autonomous Mobility Will Require More Sensor Types</h2>Ultimately, to achieve true autonomy, vehicles of the future will need multiple sensor types, including stereo thermal and visible cameras, that provide multiple redundancies to ensure that in any given situation, no matter how rare or unlikely, the vehicle will perform effectively to maintain safety. That safety refers to the passengers inside a vehicle along with passengers in other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, and any other objects sharing the roadway.</div>

Called the QuadSight® Multi-Spectral Vision Solution, This System Improves Obstacle Detection in Harsh Weather and Lighting Conditions and Scenarios

Thermal By FLIR Partner Foresight Fuses Stereo Thermal and Visible Imaging

Popular media has been responsible for a wealth of misinformation throughout the years about thermal&mdash;or infrared&mdash;imaging. What exactly can thermal cameras &ldquo;see&rdquo; through? To answer that, here&rsquo;s a rundown of the most commonly asked questions we receive about what you can and can&rsquo;t see through using a thermal camera.(Knowledgeable individuals might point out that thermal cameras don&rsquo;t &ldquo;see&rdquo; anything: they detect heat and then assign colors based on the range of temperatures detected by the sensor. However, we&rsquo;ll use it as a shorthand in this article.) &nbsp;<h2>Can thermal imaging see through walls?</h2>No, thermal cameras cannot see through walls, at least not like in the movies. Walls are generally thick enough&mdash;and insulated enough&mdash;to block any infrared radiation from the other side. If you point a thermal camera at a wall, it will detect heat from the wall&nbsp;, not what&rsquo;s behind it. However, if something inside the wall causes enough of a temperature difference, a thermal imager will be able to sense it on the surface of the wall. <a href="https://www.flir.com/instruments/thermal-camera-home-inspection/" target="_blank">Building maintenance professionals</a> often use thermal imagers to detect issues like water leaks or missing insulation without needing to tear down walls to assess the problem.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1585824271769-studs-in-wall-jpeg-web---72-dpi.webp">Studs inside the wall (vertical lines) are colder than the insulation, causing a temperature difference on the surface of the wall.&nbsp;<h2>Can thermal imaging see through smoke?</h2>Yes, thermal cameras can detect heat through smoke, and are widely used by <a href="https://www.flir.com/instruments/firefighting/" target="_blank">firefighters</a> for this purpose. Soot particles in smoke effectively block visible light, but allow infrared radiation to pass through, letting firefighters or other first responders navigate through smoke-filled environments.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1585824301682-thermal-vs-cctv_smoke-day.webp">The person in the doorway is concealed by smoke in the visible light spectrum, but easily detected by thermal imaging.&nbsp;<h2>Can thermal imaging see through fog?</h2>Fog and rain have the potential to severely limit the range of a thermal camera due to the scattering of radiation off water droplets. However, in many circumstances, thermal cameras can penetrate fog much more successfully than visible light cameras or the human eye. This is one reason why car manufacturers are incorporating thermal imagers into the sensor suites of <a href="https://www.flir.com/oem/adas/" target="_blank">autonomous vehicles</a>.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1585824336386-h-series-vs-cctv_fog-day-jpeg-web---72-dpi.webp">Under certain circumstances, thermal imaging can detect objects through fog much more clearly than visible light detectors.&nbsp;<h2>Can thermal imaging see through glass?</h2>Fun fact: glass acts like a mirror for infrared radiation. If you point a thermal imager at a window, you won&rsquo;t see anything on the other side of the glass, but you will get a nice reflection of yourself in thermal. This is because glass is a highly reflective material, meaning it shows the reflected temperatures of objects rather than letting infrared radiation be transmitted through. The same principle applies to other reflective materials, like polished metal.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1585824369855-window-visible-vs-thermal.webp">The digital camera sees through the glass to the trees outside, while the thermal camera sees the reflected heat of the photographer.&nbsp;<h2>Can thermal imaging see through concrete?</h2>The answer to this question is basically the same as the question for walls&mdash;no, but a thermal camera might be able to detect something inside the concrete like a pipe or radiant heating that causes a temperature difference on the surface of the concrete.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1585824421399-radiant-flooring-22-jpeg-web---72-dpi.webp">Radiant underfloor heating is clearly visible under a concrete floor.&nbsp;<h2>Can thermal imaging see through metal?</h2>Metal can be a tricky material in the thermography world. Shiny metal&mdash;any metal object that is smooth or polished&mdash;will reflect infrared radiation, acting as an infrared mirror just like glass. This can cause difficulties for anyone trying to monitor pipes or machinery for overheating parts. Oxidized metal or metal that has been painted with a matte material is much easier to measure accurately (check out our article <a href="https://www.flir.com/discover/rd-science/use-low-cost-materials-to-increase-target-emissivity/" target="_blank">Using Low-Cost Materials to Increase Target Emissivity</a> to learn more). In all cases, thermal cameras can never see &ldquo;through&rdquo; metal objects, but conductive metals might reveal hot spots, cold spots, or the level of a substance inside a metal container.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1585824454732-tanks_6_ir.webp">It&rsquo;s easy to see how full these tanks are in infrared because of the temperature difference on the metal surface caused by the liquid inside.&nbsp;<h2>Can thermal imaging see through trees?</h2>A thermal camera can&rsquo;t detect objects through the trunk of a tree, but thermal can help with spotting people or animals in forested areas. <a href="https://www.flir.com/applications/public-safety/" target="_blank">Search and rescue</a> teams often employ thermal imaging to spot heat signatures when searching through large tracts of wilderness.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1585824497211-sar-cliff-stretcher-rescue-vue-pro-jpeg-web---72-dpi+%281%29.webp">Thermal imaging cannot see through trees (or wood), but it can be helpful for spotting people in forested areas where their heat signatures stand out much more than a visible image might.&nbsp;<h2>Can thermal imaging see through plastic?</h2>A fun party trick to perform with a thermal camera is to hold up a thin, opaque sheet of plastic (like a garbage bag) in front of a warm object or person. Infrared radiation will pass through the plastic, allowing the thermal camera to detect whatever is behind it, while visible light will be blocked. However, this trick only works with very thin plastic&mdash;thicker plastics will block infrared radiation.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1585824534078-plastic-bag-digital-vs-thermal.webp">Visible light is mostly blocked by the plastic bag, but infrared radiation is transmitted.&nbsp;<h2>Can thermal imaging see in the dark?</h2>Final bonus question! The answer: yes! Thermal imaging is not affected by darkness at all, requiring no visible light to visualize heat. (Check out our article on <a href="https://www.flir.com/discover/ots/thermal-vs-night-vision/" target="_blank">Thermal Imaging vs. Night Vision</a> to learn more.)<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1585824559385-thermal-vs-cctv_dark-parking-lot_large_moment_moment_moment.webp">CCTV footage vs thermal imaging demonstrates that thermal requires no visible light to form an image.&nbsp;

thermal imaging

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