Umicore develops infrared lens for the automotive industry
Umicore has contributed to the development of a system of night vision by car, called Night Vision System. This system of driver assistance marketed recently to identify living beings into the night.
Umicore has developed and produced lenses, manufactured in new infrared equipment permeable. These lenses are used in the infrared camera built into the bumper. To produce these lenses for the automotive industry, the requirements are high. Substantial quantities must be produced quickly and at a reasonable cost. The lenses must be of excellent quality.
The surface of the lens has proven to be the most difficult to develop. It must be of high quality and lentils must be equipped with a model of diffraction to correct errors without requiring costly manipulation finish. The quality of surface and models required diffraction demanded a new production processes and efficient, also applicable for large volumes. Umicore was therefore equipped with new tools of production. With this new coating, the production system adapted can be used to manufacture on a commercial scale lenses for infrared Night Vision System.
The system uses a camera equipped with thermal infrared technology to detect objects live in the shadows, at a distance of 300 m. The system sends images from the camera as well as signals of heat on the screen of the car. The result is rendering the situation on the road. Given that the system makes a distinction between living beings (heat sources) and other objects, the driver can immediately identify a potential hazard.
About Umicore:
Umicore is a materials technology group. Its activities are centred on four business areas: Advanced Materials, Precious Metals Products and Catalysts, Precious Metals Services and Zinc Specialties. Each business area is divided into market-focused business units, be it in products that are essential to everyday life or those at the cutting edge of new technological developments.
Umicore focuses on application areas where it knows its expertise in materials science, chemistry and metallurgy can make a real difference. Umicore generates approximately 50% of its revenues and spends approximately 80% of its R&D budget in the area of clean technology, such as emission control catalysts, materials for rechargeable batteries and photovoltaics, fuel cells, and precious metals recycling. Umicore’s overriding goal of sustainable value creation is based on this ambition to develop, produce and recycle materials in a way that fulfils its mission: materials for a better life.
Source:
http://www.umicore.com/en/
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