FLIR PathFindIR LE, User Manual

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2 – Introduction
4 May ’08 334-0001-00-10-LE, rev. 100
2 – Introduction
When using a thermal imager in darkness, the image is created based on
temperature differences of objects in the field of view, rather than
reflected light from headlights.
Furthermore, because thermal imaging cameras only 'see' heat sources
and not reflected light, they are ideal to assist with driver vision and
situational awareness for oncoming obstructions such as animals, people,
and other vehicles
.
The above images show a comparison of typical night time driving
compared to using the PathFindIR LE thermal imager. The image on the
left is from an ordinary digital camera and shows the amount of visible
light as illuminated by headlights; the image on the right is a thermal
image created by the PathFindIR LE thermal imaging camera. Note the
PathFindIR LE camera is sensitive to warm objects, such as the deer, and
provides visibility over a much greater distance.
Some of the objects that are most critical for a driver to avoid are people
and animals. Because these objects are naturally warm, they are
particularly easy to see with the PathFindIR LE and clearly stand out in the
video image.
Figure 2-1: PathFindIR Makes the Difference