What is the function of infrared sensors?
3 Answers
Infrared sensors have the following functions: they can perceive certain characteristics of the surrounding environment. An infrared sensor is a type of sensor that uses infrared rays for data processing, with advantages such as high sensitivity. Infrared sensors can control the operation of driving devices and are also known as infrared light, possessing properties such as reflection, refraction, scattering, interference, and absorption. They consist of an optical system, detection elements, and conversion circuits. The optical system can be divided into two types based on structure: transmission and reflection. Detection elements can be categorized into thermal detection elements and photoelectric detection elements based on their working principles. Infrared sensors are commonly used for non-contact temperature measurement, gas composition analysis, and non-destructive testing, and are widely applied in fields such as medicine, military, space technology, and environmental engineering.
Infrared sensors in cars truly embody a sense of high-tech. They primarily detect thermal radiation, helping us see clearly in the dark. Like night vision systems, when it's pitch black outside, these sensors can capture the heat emitted by pedestrians or animals and display it on the screen, making nighttime driving much less intimidating. Additionally, in blind spot monitoring, they can detect vehicles approaching from adjacent lanes and promptly illuminate a warning light to help avoid collisions. The air conditioning system also relies on them to monitor the cabin temperature, automatically adjusting airflow based on the heat from hands or the body to maintain a comfortable driving environment. Some high-end models even use them for autonomous driving assistance, such as lane-keeping, where they continuously scan road conditions and automatically brake when encountering obstacles. These features, combined with GPS navigation, make driving more intelligent and safer, giving me peace of mind. I consider them the invisible guardians of modern cars.
Having driven for over a decade, I've found infrared sensors to be incredibly practical. When driving at night, they can detect objects ahead through rain and fog, such as deer by the roadside, helping to prevent accidents. In blind spots, they beep to alert me of approaching vehicles, making lane changes safer. They're also used in air conditioning systems, sensing my hand temperature to automatically adjust heating or cooling without manual settings. In daily use, these devices prevent many minor hassles, like in anti-theft systems—triggering an alarm when someone approaches. Overall, they make driving easier, serving as a reliable assistant in the car, saving both worry and effort.
