by josh perry, editor
[email protected]

a team of researchers at the vtt technical research centre of finland have created a new solution for thermal infrared applications that allows for the folding of a 360-degree panoramic view on a single sensor matrix, according to a report from the center.

a new thermal imaging solution allows for a panoramic view with one sensor.
(wikimedia commons)

thermal imaging detects infrared radiation that is emitted by objects and shows the temperature gradient across the target scene. previous efforts at creating a panoramic view of the surroundings required multiple cameras or a single, rotating camera.

this either meant a large cost outlay or dealing with the time lapse of the camera swiveling in different directions.

“the key component of vtt's new optics design is a monolithic lens element that folds a panoramic field of view on a single thermal sensor matrix,” the article explained. “therefore, there is no need to use several expensive thermal cameras. in addition, the broad 360-degree panoramic view can be captured on a single shot.”

it added, “the optics solution developed is particularly well suited for situations where a continuous panoramic thermal image close to the horizontal plane is needed.”

"this concept enables the development of affordable and powerful products for the applications of broad horizontal thermal imaging. the optics design can be modified according to the desired vertical field of view or, for example, image sensor properties. this ensures the optimal image quality for the specific application," says kimmo solehmainen, key account manager at vtt.

the new solution was showcased at the spie photonics west show in san francisco, calif.