Detection of Fog and Smoke Particles with Discrete Near Infrared Light

Abstract

This research aims at active detection of fog and smoke composed of micrometer/sub-micrometer order particles. Fog scatters light and causes poor visibility of the driver. Since poor visibility can cause serious traffic accidents, detection and measurement of fog is an important technique in road traffic. Detection of smoke constituted by particles as well as mist is also an important technique for rapid extinguishing of fire. In this paper, we focused attention on the phenomenon that particles composing fog and smoke scatter and attenuate near infrared light. And we examined active detection combining discrete near infrared light and a near infrared camera. As a result, it was shown that detection is possible in both fog and smoke.