Thermal Imaging Camera Research Articles

Polish Criminal Liability of the UAV Operator in Connection with the Unauthorized Flight in Operations Area of Fire Services in the Context of the Possibility of the U-Space Using

The events of recent weeks have reminded us how difficult it is to fight the element of fire. Knowing where the fire has started allows emergency services to react faster and more efficiently. That is why unmanned aerial vehicles are being used more and more often. A drone with a thermal imaging camera locates fire outbreaks from the air. The drone will not only reach places that are difficult to reach, but also record an image from a wide area and—importantly—allow you to assess the extent of damage and fire extinguishing activities in real time. The unmanned aerial vehicle with a thermal imaging camera installed, despite the clouds of smoke and poor visibility, registers where the fire is located and in which direction the fire is spreading. The obtained data, along with the exact coordinates of the places that are on fire, are forwarded to the fire brigade. On this basis, firefighters can react quickly and move to a specific area to extinguish a fire. The analysis of the temperature of the indicated area also translated into the safety of the services participating in the fire extinguishing operation. This refers to issues in the area of public safety and privacy. UAV, under the international, regional and national regime of aviation law, are considered as aircraft. Since there is no framework existing in connection with the unauthorized flight in operations area of fire services in the context of the possibility of the U-space using, this paper will focus on this analysis. The paper’s conclusion will address the proposed recommendations for the UAV and aviation industries to consider as potential solution- implementation of the U-space concept. This idea, apart from the regulations of aviation law and other branches of law seems to be relevant for sanctioning the use of the airspace in fire services application.

Numerical modeling of the effect of nozzle diameter and heat flux on the polymer flow in fused filament fabrication

A numerical model that fully account for the velocity of the traveling filament (push velocity) in the liquefier is presented in the current work to predict the pressure, temperature, outlet melt viscosity, strain rate, and velocity in the hot-end of a FFF system for printing tough-poly(lactic acid) (TPLA). The numerical model was thoroughly validated by comparing the model predictions with experimentally measured feeding force data. The predicted numerical results closely approximated the experimentally measured feeding force. Then the model was also validated with extrudate temperature, measured with a thermal imaging camera, and the results obtained are in good agreement. Outlet capillary diameter, feeding rate, and heat flux (quantified in terms of Nusselt number) were varied to determine the response of pressure field, temperature, velocity, viscosity, and strain rate in the liquefier. The results show that an increase in the nozzle outlet diameter decreases the extrusion pressure in the hot-end. The maximum pressure predicted for TPLA is 3.34, 2.91, and 2.04 MPa for the 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mm outlet diameters nozzles, respectively. Also, an increase in the nozzle outlet diameter decreases the central velocity at the outlet and decreases the shear rate with an increase in the viscosity of TPLA at the exit during material extrusion. The area-weighted averaged outlet temperature for TPLA decreases as the feeding rate increases for all three nozzle diameters. Elucidated from the simulation results, significant variation of the normalized velocity at the center of the nozzle outlet suggests that different printing speeds for TPLA material extrusion should be set for different nozzle diameters. Otherwise, the accuracy and precision of the gantry motion during layer deposition on the print will be compromised. The simulation results indicate that based on the 90% core melting temperature requirement, at a liquefier set temperature of 503 K, the TPLA should be printed below 80mm/min for all outlet diameters considered. A Nusselt number of 49.61 was observed to be the upper limit where an increase in the heat flux in the liquefier has no significant effect on the area-weighted averaged outlet temperature of TPLA.

Exploring print setting tradeoffs to improve part quality using a visual thermal process simulation

While desktop 3D printer manufacturers continually work to increase the usefulness of their machines, a successful first print of a part is still a significant challenge for many users. Many of the manufacturers provide software offerings to help users choose print settings to reduce errors, and the corresponding number of times a part must be printed. However, these offerings often present a myriad of settings to adjust without a clear indication of the outcomes. These settings, combined with environmental effects must be simulated, and presented so a user can understand and avoid common print failures. This paper presents research into one of the most prevalent of these, thermal issues, in 3D desktop printing. An extrusion process was simulated by displaying a printed road shape during and after a G-code print command and accurately represents the position, size, and shape of a 3D printed part's roads, based on changes in nozzle position, orifice diameter, and layer thickness. The Lumped Capacitance heat transfer method was used to determine each road's temperature with a corresponding color legend. A thermal imaging camera attached to the print head of an actual 3D printer monitored temperature for simulation validation. This simulation, in conjunction with a usable 3D software interface, provides a prototype visual tool for users to explore setting tradeoffs and view resultant outcomes with any combination of 3D printer and 3D printing software without requiring extensive 3D printing experience.

Multi-parametric study of an eruptive phase comprising unrest, major explosions, crater failure, pyroclastic density currents and lava flows: Stromboli volcano, 1 December 2020–30 June 2021

Open conduit volcanoes like Stromboli can display elusive changes in activity before major eruptive events. Starting on December 2020, Stromboli volcano displayed an increasing eruptive activity, that on 19 May 2021 led to a crater-rim collapse, with pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) that spread along the barren NW flank, entered the sea and ran across it for more than 1 km. This episode was followed by lava flow output from the crater rim lasting a few hours, followed by another phase of lava flow in June 2021. These episodes are potentially very dangerous on island volcanoes since a landslide of hot material that turns into a pyroclastic density current and spreads on the sea surface can threaten mariners and coastal communities, as happened at Stromboli on 3 July and 28 August 2019. In addition, on entering the sea, if their volume is large enough, landslides may trigger tsunamis, as occurred at Stromboli on 30 December 2002. In this paper, we present an integration of multidisciplinary monitoring data, including thermal and visible camera images, ground deformation data gathered from GNSS, tilt, strainmeter and GBInSAR, seismicity, SO2 plume and CO2 ground fluxes and thermal data from the ground and satellite imagery, together with petrological analyses of the erupted products compared with samples from previous similar events. We aim at characterizing the preparatory phase of the volcano that began on December 2020 and led to the May–June 2021 eruptive activity, distinguishing this small intrusion of magma from the much greater 2019 eruptive phase, which was fed by gas-rich magma responsible for the paroxysmal explosive and effusive phases of July–August 2019. These complex eruption scenarios have important implications for hazard assessment and the lessons learned at Stromboli volcano may prove useful for other open conduit active basaltic volcanoes.

Geophysical studies of permafrost conditions of the Kangalassky coal mine dam

Problem statement. Geophysical studies of the ground dam body and base at the Kangalassky coal mine were carried out as part of monitoring related to the dam’s destruction, propagation of flank release fractures parallel to the ledge, and water seepage into the open pit. The main function of the ground dam is to protect the mining site from the inflow of surface water and preserve frozen rocks of the geological base. The mine workings of the coal mine are watered due to precipitation in the summer, snow melting and frozen rock thawing in the spring. Research objective is to assess the permafrost-ground conditions of the site according to geophysical methods and establish the boundaries of seepage flows that seep through the body and base of the ground dam. Methods of research. Electrical sounding at the dam site were performed by the electrical resistivity tomography method. The research was carried out with the Omega-48 equipment. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) study was carried out with a georadar of the OKO-2 series (AB-250M, central frequency 250 MHz). Georeferencing for comparative analysis of GPR parameters and positioning was carried out by the Geobox Fora Smart high-precision (geodetic) GNSS receiver. The cryogenic condition of rock was determined from the drilling data and FLIR SC660 thermal imaging camera data (device by the Shared core facilities of the Federal Research Center “Yakutsk Science Center SB RAS”, grant no. 13.TsKP.21.0016). Results. The results of GPR studies by the method of multi-season measurements in spring and autumn made it possible to objectively assess open pit permafrost conditions that reflect rock mass condition features (frozen or thawed rocks) and the position of the weakness zones (seepage areas and the presence of waterlogged soils). The analysis of geoelectric sections has identified anomalous areas with reduced electrical resistivity interpreted as zones of suprapermafrost surface water penetration into the embankment body with further dam base soil erosion. Possible surface waters migration routes and frozen rock degradation areas have also been identified. Scope of results. The described technique can be used at the enterprises of the mining complex in the North of Russia for engineering-geological and geocryological monitoring of mining and engineering structures.

Analyze Infrared Heating Characteristics of Potato Starch and Measure its Functional Film Properties

Objectives: To analyze the effect of potato starch infrared heating (IR) and the functional characteristics of the starch film. Methods: Potato starch was heated by IR heater at different time intervals (45 min, 65 min and 85 min) and starch was used to develop polymer films by the addition of glycerol as a plasticizing agent. The surface temperature of starch at different bed thickness was measured using a thermal imaging camera. The temperature of the starch varied from 72.77oC to 80.83oC. The functional properties of developed films were analyzed by their thickness, solubility, contact angle, puncture strength and coefficient of friction with different surfaces. Findings: The results indicate that the puncture strength of IR treated starch film varied from 2.5 to 3.79N and the value was found less in control recorded as 1.87N. The modified starch film thickness and opacity were increased from 0.11 to 0.128mm and 1.15 to 1.22 percent respectively. The solubility percent was found less in IR heated starch than in control. SEM and FTIR analysis results show that IR heat treatment has significant effect on morphology and functional characteristics of the starch film. Novelty: Infrared heating modified the structural characteristics of potato starch and improved the functional properties of the starch film. Keywords: Starch film; Infrared heating; Functional; Physical; Mechanical

MultimodalGasData: Multimodal Dataset for Gas Detection and Classification

The detection of gas leakages is a crucial aspect to be considered in the chemical industries, coal mines, home applications, etc. Early detection and identification of the type of gas is required to avoid damage to human lives and the environment. The MultimodalGasData presented in this paper is a novel collection of simultaneous data samples taken using seven different gas-detecting sensors and a thermal imaging camera. The low-cost sensors are generally less sensitive and less reliable; hence, they are unable to detect the gases from a longer distance. A thermal camera that can sense the temperature changes is also used while collecting the present multimodal dataset to overcome the drawback of using only the sensors for detecting gases. This multimodal dataset has a total of 6400 samples, including 1600 samples per class for smoke, perfume, a mixture of smoke and perfume, and a neutral environment. The dataset is helpful for the researchers and system developers to develop and train the state-of-the-art artificial intelligence models and systems.

Comparison of Low- and High-Cost Infrared Thermal Imaging Devices for the Detection of Lameness in Dairy Cattle

Simple SummaryLameness has high economic and welfare cost to the U.K. dairy industry; accurate and early detection of lameness minimises this cost. Thermal imaging devices can be used as a method of detecting lameness; however, these devices are typically high-cost and fragile, limiting their usefulness in a farm setting. This study looked at the effectiveness of low-cost thermal imaging devices when used as lameness detection aids, by comparing one to a research-specification thermal imaging device. Thermal images were taken of cattle feet, and each cow was assessed for lameness. Both devices tested were able to determine whether the cattle were lame; however, the research-specification device performed marginally better at this function. This minimal difference in effectiveness between these devices suggests that low-cost thermal imaging devices could be used as a lameness detection aid; increased use of these devices by farmers may increase lameness detection rates and benefit animal welfare.Lameness has a high economic cost to the U.K. dairy industry; accurate and early detection of lameness minimises this cost. Infrared thermal imaging (IRT) devices have shown promising results for use as a lameness detection aid in cattle when used in research settings; these devices are typically high-cost, limiting their adoption. This study analysed the effectiveness of low-cost IRT devices (LCDs) as lameness detection aids, by comparing both maximum environmentally adjusted temperature values and hindfeet temperature difference collected by an LCD to the mobility score of the cow; this test was repeated for data collected by a research-specification device. Data collection occurred during routine milking of 83 cattle; each cow’s mobility was scored afterwards. Significant differences were found between lame and sound cows with the LCD, upon analysis of both methods. There was no significant difference between the data captured by differing devices. The maximum sensitivity and specificity values for the LCD were calculated as 66.95 and 64.53, respectively, compared with 70.34 and 70.94, respectively, for the research-specification device; optimum threshold values for these were equivalent for both devices, suggesting IRT lameness identification is not device-dependent. It was concluded that a minimal difference in effectiveness between tested devices suggests that LCDs could be used as a lameness detection aid; consequently, there is potential for widespread adoption as on-farm detection aids.

Clustering of Handheld Thermal Camera Images in Volcanic Areas and Temperature Statistics

Thermal camera use is becoming ever more widespread in volcanic and environmental research and monitoring activities. Depending on the scope of an investigation and on the type of thermal camera used, different software for thermal infrared (IR) images analysis is employed. The Osservatorio Vesuviano Sezione in Napoli of the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV-OV) processes the images acquired during thermal monitoring activities acquired in the Neapolitan areas (Vesuvio, Ischia and Campi Flegrei) with different FLIR software that returns for each image, or for each selected area within the image, a series of parameters (maximum temperature, average temperature, standard deviation, etc.). An operator selects the area of interest and later “manually” inserts the relevant parameters in Excel sheets to generate graphs. Such a tedious, time- and resource-consuming procedure gave reason to implement a software able to automatically analyze sets of thermal images taken with a handheld thermal camera without any manual action. This paper describes the method and the software implemented to “automate” and refine the extrapolation process and the analysis of the relevant information. The employed method clusters thermal images by applying K-MEANS and DBSCAN techniques. After clustering a series of images, the software displays the necessary statistics to highlight possible fluctuations in temperature values. The software, “StaTistical Analysis clusteRed ThErmal Data” (STARTED), is already available. Although it has been developed mostly to support monitoring of the volcanoes in Campania, it is quite versatile and can be used for any activity that implies thermal data analysis. In this paper, we describe the workflow and the dataset used to develop the software, as well as the first result obtained from it.

Infrared Radiation Characterization of Damaged Coal Rupture Based on Stress Distribution and Energy.

As coal mine production enters the deep mining stage, the impact of coal and rock dynamic hazards is becoming more and more significant. And the coal and rock containing initial damage such as fractures are more susceptible to destabilization damage by disturbance. So, this paper takes coal containing macro-crack with different inclination angles as the research object and uses the RMT-150B rock mechanics system to carry out uniaxial loading rupture tests on the specimens. On this basis, the changes in infrared radiation on the surface are observed using an infrared thermal imaging camera, and it is analyzed and studied according to the stress distribution and energy change of the specimens. The results show that the strain ratio at crack closure after bearing the coal gradually increases with the increase in the macro-crack inclination. When the inclination angle is 0° < α < 90°, there are obvious low-temperature bands on the upper and lower sides after macro-crack closure. The variance of the infrared thermal image of the specimen can reflect its infrared radiation information more effectively and has a good correspondence with the stress–strain curve. With the increase in the specimen macro-crack inclination angle, the linear change of VIRT is more obvious, the rate of change gradually increases, and the inclination angle is the maximum at 90°. The accumulated elastic strain energy Ue is the main source of energy for the sudden change in infrared radiation generated during the bursting process that occurs when the specimen is damaged, and Ue is linearly and positively correlated with the change in infrared radiation in front of the specimen peak. These will provide some experimental basis and theoretical guidance for the use of infrared radiation precursor characteristics to warn the damaged coal–rock dynamic disaster.

ПРОГНОЗНІ ОЦІНКИ СИСТЕМИ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ЖИВУЧОСТІ ЗРАЗКІВ ОЗБРОЄННЯ

The article substantiates the dependence of the effectiveness of ensuring the survivability of weapons and military equipment on the levels of intensity of countermeasures against various factors, which are characterized by the capabilities of technical means of countermeasures against the enemy's intelligence and firepower and the capabilities of his forces and means. It is the presence and timely use of opportunities and resources that will contribute to the preservation of the functions of the weapon and its restoration in case of damage. These factors in a generalized form include the counteracting effects of various modern and promising means: on the one hand, reconnaissance and enemy fire; on the other - masking of military equipment in position, movement on the march and preparation for the functioning of weapons and equipment, first of all, through the creation and wide practical application of broadband radio absorbing materials with the necessary properties of absorbing the energy of the electromagnetic field to reduce their visibility. The requirements and possibilities of effective protection of weapons and military equipment using broadband composite polymer ferrite materials that absorb the energy of waves in the microwave and infrared wave ranges of technical intelligence radar and thermal imaging devices are substantiated. It was determined: the dependence of the index of preservation of weapons functions, in the case of the use of radar masking means, on the range of their detection by technical means of intelligence; dependence of the parameters of the forecast trend of changes over time of the indicator of the recovery of weapons samples, in case of their damage by the enemy, and the confidence intervals of the trend on the prospective time interval of their combat use. A method of determining the optimal parameters of the trend of the process of changes over time of the indicator of operational readiness of weapons and military equipment in the event of their failure at a critical time interval of their operation is also proposed, which allows to determine the predictive value of the indicator of readiness for a given time of its application and to determine when the level of this indicator readiness of the weapon sample becomes unsatisfactory. Keywords: weapons and military equipment; technical means of intelligence; evaluation of the results of the use of radio absorbing materials; predictive assessments of survivability and readiness indicators; indicator of preservation of weapons functions, indicator of restoration of a sample of weapons.

State-monitoring and product quality measurement of additively manufactured injection mould inserts

Additive technologies represent a state-of-the-art and innovative way in today’s mould making. They allow production of both metallic and polymeric moulds with relative simplicity and flexibility compared to conventional machining. Despite its possible benefits, this area is scarcely researched. In our work, we analysed in-mould applicability of epoxy-acrylate inserts manufactured by PolyJet technology. We created a comprehensive state monitoring method to quantify important process parameters like cavity pressure, strain and temperature of the inserts. We analysed the effect of holding pressure on the resulting cavity pressure and strain of the insert. We showed that strain of the insert gradually increased after the cycles and we identified characteristic segments of the injection moulding cycle on the strain-time curves. We also applied surface temperature measurements using a thermal imaging camera. The purpose of this measurement was to determine necessary delay time between cycles allowing inserts to cool below heat deflection temperature, so early failure could be prevented. By using thermal imaging camera, we measured cavity surface temperature distribution and demonstrated the effect of low thermal conductivity of the insert material. We also measured thickness and weight variation of injection moulded products to show the effect of holding pressure and mould deformation on final product quality. As we applied higher holding pressures, product mass and average product thickness grew.

Enhancing mechanical properties of 3D printed thermoplastic polymers by annealing in moulds

Five series of specimens with two different print orientations (−45/45 and 0/90) and two print layer thicknesses (0.1 and 0.2 mm) were made. In total 60 specimens with 100% filament infill were made. One specimen series (20 pieces) was isolated as a reference or thermally untreated. Before the thermal treatment (annealing), two specimen moulding methods were used: NaCl powder (granulation 63 mm: 20 pieces) and Calcium Sulphate (Gypsum: 20 pieces). During the annealing, specimens immersed in NaCl powder were heated in a drying oven to the filament melting point (for PLA: 200°C, with a duration interval of 30 min), while the treatment of the heated specimens in gypsum was performed at a temperature of around 190°C, with duration interval of 3 h with the observed temperature inside the mould of about 100°C. An ultrasonic bath and a drying oven were used in the gypsum treatment. Temperature measurement and control during both annealing treatments were performed using a thermal imaging camera, while the temperature control inside the drying oven was performed using a digital thermometer. After treatment, the specimens in the moulds were cooled at room temperature, and the dimensions of annealing and untreated specimens were controlled. Surface morphology was characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM analysis reveals improved internal structure after heat treatment of the PLA specimens. These results show that the investigated specimens after heat treatments had better structural properties than the referent specimens. Tensile testing on a universal testing machine in compliance with the ASTM D638 standard was also performed. The referent PLA specimen with −45/45 and layer thickness of 0.1 mm had the highest tensile stress value (64.08 MPa) while the specimen with minimal tensile stress value before fracture was 0/90, 0.2 mm (54.81 MPa). Heat treatment in gypsum showed the most significant increase in strength with −45/45 (0.1 mm) being the strongest (71.66 MPa) while the strongest specimen treated in sodium chloride was −45/45 (0.1 mm) with maximum tensile stress of 70.08 MPa. The mechanical characteristics of the PLA were characterised using the Vickers microhardness tester. The PLA microhardness value was calculated according to standards ASTM E384 and ISO 6507. The referent PLA specimen with −45/45 (0.2 mm) orientation shows the maximal microhardness value (125 MPa), and the minimal microhardness value was observed for the 0/90 (0.1 mm) orientation specimens (108 MPa). The heat treatment specimens in gypsum have a better hardness (185 MPa) than those treated in gypsum (165 MPa), with microhardness increasing by about 12%. The essence of the work is reflected in the additional filament processing to achieve a better structural and mechanical performance of the materials and reduce the anisotropy that is characteristic of 3D printing.

Enhancing Corrosion Performance of Cold-Sprayed Titanium/Baghdadite (Ti/BAG) Bio-Composite Coatings via Laser Treatment

This study aims to enhance the corrosion performance of cold-sprayed titanium/baghdadite (Ti/BAG) bio-composite coatings. Laser post processing was performed to reduce porosity and improve mechanical properties. The process parameters for laser treatment of cold-sprayed coatings were verified experimentally using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a thermal imaging camera. The laser-treated coatings are analyzed with SEM, energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), ImageJ software, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, electrochemical analysis of the laser-treated and as-sprayed coatings was conducted in Ringer’s solution. The results of this study revealed that laser treatment helps significantly in enhancing resistance to corrosion for Ti/BAG composite coatings in a Ringer’s solution. The reduction in porosity and surface roughness is ascribed as the reason for their superior performance relative to as-sprayed coatings.

Using Deep Learning with Thermal Imaging for Human Detection in Heavy Smoke Scenarios.

In this study, we propose using a thermal imaging camera (TIC) with a deep learning model as an intelligent human detection approach during emergency evacuations in a low-visibility smoky fire scenarios. We use low-wavelength infrared (LWIR) images taken by a TIC qualified with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1801 standards as input to the YOLOv4 model for real-time object detection. The model trained with a single Nvidia GeForce 2070 can achieve >95% precision for the location of people in a low-visibility smoky scenario with 30.1 frames per second (FPS). This real-time result can be reported to control centers as useful information to help provide timely rescue and provide protection to firefighters before entering dangerous smoky fire situations.

Exploring temperature-controlled friction stir powder additive manufacturing process for multi-layer deposition of aluminum alloys

This paper presents preliminary study on multi-layer deposition of aerospace grade Al 6061 alloy by novel friction stir powder additive manufacturing process. Minimum temperature of deposition was in-situ maintained using close loop temperature-controlled system for minimizing thermal gradient in the build direction. Maximum temperature during the deposition was monitored in-situ using pyrometer and thermal imaging camera. Use of a tool with circumferential and radial grooves and continuous external heating facilitated smooth three-layer deposition of Al 6061 alloy with 60% deposition efficiency and 417°C as maximum deposition temperature. Larger value of temperature at deposition zone improved material flowability and deposition quality. Microstructure of multi-layer deposition found to consist of fine sub-grains. Element analysis showed uniform distribution of major alloying elements in it. Phase analysis revealed Al along with Mg2Si hardening precipitates. Tensile strength and microhardness were close to the commercially available wrought AA6061-T4 alloy. It showed ductility with 16% elongation. The presented process is a viable alternative to fusion-based additive manufacturing processes for multi-layer depositions of aerospace grade and other lightweight alloys which are difficult-to-additively-manufacture.

Portable recording system for spherical thermography and its application to longwave mean radiant temperature estimation

Mean radiant temperature (MRT) is the primary metric of radiant heat exchange between a human body and the environment, and it dominates human thermal comfort and heat stress. This study develops a new portable recording system for spherical thermography utilizing only commercial devices (an infrared thermal imaging camera and a portable rotation platform) and image processing for panorama synthesis. We use the system to estimate the MRT in a longwave radiation environment. A spherical thermal image is generated by synthesizing 24 source images on the basis of feature point identification. The longwave MRT and plane radiant temperature can be estimated from the spherical thermal image using image projection methods, including the orthographic projection and Lambert cylindrical projection. To validate the developed system, measurements were made using the system in outdoor and indoor environments with various radiant temperature distributions, including sunny built spaces and a tree-shaded space, and the results were compared with those obtained using pyrgeometers. The difference in longwave MRT between the estimation by the developed system with orthographic projection of spherical thermal images and the measurement by pyrgeometers for six directions was within 1 °C in most cases and 1.6 °C at maximum. The results show that the developed system has sufficient accuracy for longwave MRT estimation while evaluating the radiant temperature distribution and radiant asymmetry of spaces.

Stereoscopic Distance Filtering Plus Thermal Imaging Glasses Design.

The authors present the development of eyewear that incorporates stereoscopic and thermal imaging cameras for the purpose of highlighting objects/views of interest. Image processing algorithms that simplify complex elements in a scene have the ability to improve the utility of blind and low vision aids. Thermal imaging can be used to highlight important objects such as people or animals, while stereoscopic imaging can be used to filter background imagery beyond a certain distance. The methods used have been successful in providing utility to retinal prosthesis users. The stereoscopic camera systems involved strict requirements on the relative orientation of the cameras for calibrated distance filtering. A mechanical design is presented that fixes the relative camera locations on a 3D printed titanium structure that can float in the frame to maintain orientations even when the eyewear is flexed during wearing. Clinical Relevance - The design presented has utility in improving perceived spatial resolution in implantable retinal prostheses, implantable visual cortical prostheses, direct-vision prostheses, and wearable low vision aids.

Monolithic integration of a 10 μm cut-off wavelength InAs/GaSb type-II superlattice diode on GaAs platform

At room temperature, a 10 µm cut-off wavelength coincides with an infrared spectral window and the peak emission of blackbody objects. We report a 10 µm cut-off wavelength InAs/GaSb T2SL p-i-n diode on a GaAs substrate with an intentional interfacial misfit (IMF) array between the GaSb buffer layer and GaAs substrate. Transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that the heterostructure on GaSb-on-GaAs is epitaxial, single-crystalline but with a reduced material homogeneity, extended lattice defects and atomic segregation/intermixing in comparison to that on the GaSb substrate. Strain-induced degradation of the material quality is observed by temperature-dependent current–voltage measurements. The T2SL with the IMF array appears as a potentially effective route to mitigate the impact of the lattice mismatch once its fabrication is fully optimized for these systems, but additional strain compensating measures can enable a low cost, scalable manufacturing of focal plane arrays (FPA) for thermal imaging cameras for spectroscopy, dynamic scene projection, thermometry, and remote gas sensing.

Integration of Thermal and RGB Data Obtained by Means of a Drone for Interdisciplinary Inventory

Thermal infrared imagery is very much gaining in importance in the diagnosis of energy losses in cultural heritage through non-destructive measurement methods. Hence, owing to the fact that it is a very innovative and, above all, safe solution, it is possible to determine the condition of the building, locate places exposed to thermal escape, and plan actions to improve the condition of the facility. The presented work is devoted to the technology of creating a dense point cloud and a 3D model, based on data obtained from UAV. It has been shown that it is possible to build a 3D point model based on thermograms with the specified accuracy by using thermal measurement marks and the dense matching method. The results achieved in this way were compared and, as the result of this work, the model obtained from color photos was integrated with the point cloud created on the basis of the thermal images. The discussed approach exploits measurement data obtained with three independent devices (tools/appliances): a Matrice 300 RTK drone (courtesy of NaviGate); a Phantom 4 PRO drone; and a KT-165 thermal imaging camera. A stone church located in the southern part of Poland was chosen as the measuring object.