IR-transparent observation element for observing living organisms

Abstract

Observation element, in particular for observing living beings, wherein the living beings may be animals or humans, in particular for observing the rearing of young mammals or insects, comprising a planar component made of a material that is transparent to infrared radiation in the wavelength range of thermal imaging cameras, wherein the component has an optical shielding or camouflage effect for visible light, so that an observer and / or a living being located on the opposite side is not optically perceptible or only to a limited extent, and observation by means of thermal imaging technology through the component is possible.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to an observation element for observing living beings, in particular animals, their young, and humans, for example in caves, buildings, nesting sites, shelters, or comparable natural or artificial retreats. The observation is carried out using thermal imaging technology through a material. State of the art

[0002] When observing living beings in enclosed or shielded spaces, especially during the rearing of young mammals or insects, the problem is that opening such spaces or establishing a direct line of sight can influence or disturb their behavior.

[0003] Known observation solutions utilize transparent windows, cameras, or openings that either allow the observer to be seen or block the infrared radiation relevant for thermal imaging. Camouflage materials or visual barriers are known, but do not exhibit sufficient transmittance for infrared radiation in the wavelength range relevant to thermal imaging cameras. Object of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an observation element that enables the observation of living beings without direct optical line of sight, while simultaneously allowing observation through the observation element using thermal imaging technology, even in the presence of visible light. Solution to the task

[0005] The task is solved by an observation element in accordance with the protection claims. Summary of the invention

[0006] The observation element comprises a flat component made of a material that is transparent to infrared radiation in the wavelength range of thermal imaging cameras and simultaneously provides optical shielding or camouflage for visible light. This results in bidirectional invisibility, meaning that an observer and / or a living being on the opposite side of the observation element is not, or only partially, optically perceptible.

[0007] The observation element can be single- or multi-layered, rigid or flexible, and used as a wall segment, window element, cover, or similar component. The optical shielding also includes observation devices located on the observer's side. Examples of implementation

[0008] The observation element can be used, for example, in caves, animal burrows, nesting boxes for mammals or insects, shelters, technical structures, shafts, tunnels or similar environments to enable observation using a thermal imaging camera without disturbing the observed organism with visible observers or light sources. Note on the variety of designs

[0009] The invention is not limited to specific materials, pigments, or additives. The crucial functional property is the simultaneous provision of optical shielding for visible light and transmittance for infrared radiation. The coloring of the observation element is not limited to specific hues and can be adapted to the respective environment, in particular through monochrome, multicolored, patterned, or textured designs. Explanation

[0010] Fig.1: Schematic representation of an observation element (3) between an observer (1) and living beings (4) in their natural habitat, wherein the observer is not optically recognizable on the opposite side of the observation element and observation is carried out through the observation element using thermal imaging technology.

Claims

[1] Observation element, in particular for observing living beings, wherein the living beings may be animals or humans, in particular for observing the rearing of young mammals or insects, comprising a planar component made of a material which is transparent to infrared radiation in the wavelength range of thermal imaging cameras, wherein the component has an optical shielding or camouflage effect for visible light, so that an observer and / or a living being located on the opposite side is not optically perceptible or only to a limited extent, and observation by means of thermal imaging technology through the component is possible. [2] Observation element according to claim 1, wherein visible light can pass through or enter the component. [3] Observation element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical shielding or camouflage effect is achieved by coloring, opacity, scattering, structuring or a combination thereof. [4] Observation element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the material is a polymeric material. [5] Observation element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component is natural, greenish, brownish, olive or earth-colored. [6] Observation element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component is part of a cave, an animal burrow, a nesting box, an insect habitat or a similar retreat. [7] Observation element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the observation is bidirectional such that observation from both sides of the component is possible using thermal imaging technology. [8] Observation element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein observation is also possible in the presence of ambient lighting using a thermal imaging camera. [9] Observation element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component is designed as a wall segment, window element or cover.

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