This paper describes three low-cost infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs) having a 1,536, 2,304, and 10,800 elements and
experimental vehicle systems. They have a low-cost potential because each element consists of p-n polysilicon
thermocouples, which allows the use of low-cost ultra-fine
microfabrication technology commonly employed in the
conventional semiconductor manufacturing processes. To increase the responsivity of FPA, we have developed a
precisely patterned Au-black absorber that has high infrared absorptivity of more than 90%. The FPA having a 2,304
elements achieved high resposivity of 4,300 V/W. In order to reduce package cost, we developed a vacuum-sealed
package integrated with a molded ZnS lens. The camera aiming the temperature measurement of a passenger cabin is
compact and light weight devices that measures 45 x 45 x 30 mm and weighs 190 g. The camera achieves a noise
equivalent temperature deviation (NETD) of less than 0.7°C from 0 to 40°C. In this paper, we also present a several
experimental systems that use infrared cameras. One experimental system is a blind spot pedestrian warning system that
employs four infrared cameras. It can detect the infrared radiation emitted from a human body and alerts the driver when
a pedestrian is in a blind spot. The system can also prevent the vehicle from moving in the direction of the pedestrian.
Another system uses a visible-light camera and infrared sensors to detect the presence of a pedestrian in a rear blind spot
and alerts the driver. The third system is a new type of
human-machine interface system that enables the driver to control
the car's audio system without letting go of the steering wheel. Uncooled infrared cameras are still costly, which limits
their automotive use to high-end luxury cars at present. To promote widespread use of IR imaging sensors on vehicles,
we need to reduce their cost further.
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