Infrared thermal imaging technology is rapidly gaining traction in various industries, including intelligent transportation. According to market research firm Yole Développement (Yole), the compound annual growth rate of uncooled infrared imager shipments is expected to reach 15.8% between 2016 and 2021. In China, the potential demand for infrared thermal imaging is estimated to be between 50 and 60 billion yuan, with the current market still in its early stages. By 2020, the market is projected to grow by over 20%, signaling a significant shift in adoption.
As cities face increasing traffic congestion, High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes have become a common solution. These lanes are reserved for vehicles carrying two or more passengers, but drivers have found creative ways to bypass the rules—such as placing mannequins or pets in the car. To address this issue, Chengdu’s Traffic Management Bureau has introduced advanced methods, combining on-site and off-site enforcement. A key innovation is the use of infrared thermal imaging technology, which helps detect the actual number of passengers in a vehicle. This technology enables automatic identification of vehicles that violate HOV lane regulations.
Infrared thermal imaging works by detecting the heat emitted by objects. Since all objects above absolute zero emit infrared radiation, thermal imagers can capture this invisible energy and convert it into visible images. These devices are highly sensitive, capable of detecting temperature differences as small as 0.1°C. When applied to HOV lanes, thermal imaging systems analyze the heat signatures inside vehicles to determine if there are enough occupants. If only the driver is present, the system flags the vehicle for further review.
Chengdu's HOV lane monitoring equipment features several unique characteristics. Unlike standard silver-gray cameras, these units are yellow and contain four independent equipment boxes, allowing for more accurate, vehicle-by-vehicle detection. The system also includes multiple optical components to ensure reliable performance under varying conditions.
While infrared thermal imaging offers advantages such as long-range detection and independence from visible light, it also has limitations. For instance, it struggles to distinguish fine details, making it difficult to identify facial features or exact appearances. Additionally, thermal imaging may not perform well with high-speed moving targets due to blurring effects.
Despite these challenges, the technology continues to evolve. Industry experts believe that machine learning techniques can improve accuracy by analyzing thousands of images and refining detection algorithms. This could lead to fully automated systems that accurately count live passengers in real time.
Beyond HOV enforcement, infrared thermal imaging has broader applications in intelligent transportation. It can be used for intersection control, where it detects the presence of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles based on their heat signatures. It also supports 24/7 real-time monitoring, as it is not affected by sunlight or weather conditions. Companies like FLIR have developed solutions such as "Smart Zebra," which uses thermal imaging for pedestrian detection in urban areas.
In the automotive industry, thermal imaging is being integrated into assisted driving systems. With a field of view five times that of regular headlights, these devices help drivers spot obstacles, other vehicles, and road corners at night, significantly improving safety. As autonomous driving technology advances, infrared thermal imaging is expected to play a critical role in enhancing situational awareness.
China began researching infrared thermal imaging technology in the 1970s, but it remained largely confined to military use for many years. Domestic manufacturers faced high costs, long development cycles, and significant technical barriers. However, in recent years, the technology has gradually moved into commercial sectors, though it is still not widely adopted in transportation.
Compared to the transportation sector, infrared thermal imaging has greater potential in the security field. As it complements visible light cameras, it enables multi-spectral, all-weather video surveillance. With ongoing advancements, it is likely to become a major player in the security industry, alongside traditional camera technologies.
Overall, infrared thermal imaging is no longer just a niche technology—it is becoming an essential tool in smart cities, transportation, and safety systems. As the market grows and the technology improves, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in the years to come.
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