A reconfigurable low-cost thermal imager for unattended ground sensors

Paul A. Manning; Nicholas J. Parkinson; Tim S. Phillips; Dean A. R. Beale

doi:10.1117/12.687412

5 October 2006 A reconfigurable low-cost thermal imager for unattended ground sensors

Paul A. Manning, Nicholas J. Parkinson, Tim S. Phillips, Dean A. R. Beale

Proceedings Volume 6394, Unmanned/Unattended Sensors and Sensor Networks III; 63940S (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.687412
Event: Optics/Photonics in Security and Defence, 2006, Stockholm, Sweden

Abstract

The cost of thermal imaging technology has, up until now, precluded its widespread use in sensor systems which require sensors to be deployed in very large numbers. This paper describes a method of achieving this goal of bringing low-cost 'disposable' thermal imaging into the dismounted military environment. Infrared detectors based on the manufacturing processes used in the production of conventional silicon chips offer a breakthrough in cost compared to other technologies. Despite having modest performance, this technology offers a route towards a very cost-effective thermal imaging sensor for dismounted applications. A flexible detector format which permits the detector to operate as a conventional close-packed 2-d array or as a faster update linear array gives the opportunity for performance optimisation and data reduction at the sensor, important attributes for a remotely deployed sensor with limited power resources. This paper describes a sensor architecture which is well matched to the cost, power consumption, and performance levels suited to short-range dismounted and networked operations, and demonstrates some of the imaging capability achievable with such a simple (and hence potentially extremely low cost) sensor.

Citation Download Citation

Paul A. Manning, Nicholas J. Parkinson, Tim S. Phillips, and Dean A. R. Beale "A reconfigurable low-cost thermal imager for unattended ground sensors", Proc. SPIE 6394, Unmanned/Unattended Sensors and Sensor Networks III, 63940S (5 October 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.687412

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available