Gentex Corporation
VARIABLE IR ILLUMINATION

Abstract:

A variable infra-red illumination system and corresponding method is disclosed. The system may comprise a distance detector, a controller, an infra-red illumination device, and an imager. The distance detector may be operable to detect a first distance. The first distance may be a distance from a subject to the distance detector. The controller may be operable to determine an illumination intensity based, at least in part, on the first distance. The determined illumination intensity may be equal to or less than a maximum safe infra-red illumination intensity. The infra-red illumination device may be operable to illuminate a subject with infra-red light at the determined illumination intensity. Further, the infra-red illumination device may be located at a second distance from the subject. The second distance may be approximately equal to the first distance. The imager may be operable to capture one or more infra-red images of the illuminated subject.