Simultaneous extraction of geometry and surface properties of targets using infrared intensity signals

We propose the use of angular intensity signals obtained with low-cost infrared sensors and present an algorithm to simultaneously extract the geometry and surface properties of commonly encountered targets in indoor environments. The method is verified experimentally with planes, 90° corners, and 90° edges covered with aluminum, white cloth, and Styrofoam packaging material. An average correct classification rate of 80% of both geometry and surface over all target types is achieved and targets are localized within absolute range and azimuth errors of 1.5 cm and 1.1°, respectively. Taken separately, the geometry and surface type of targets can be correctly classified with rates of 99% and 81%, respectively, indicating that the geometrical properties of the targets are more distinctive than their surface properties, and surface determination is the limiting factor. The method demonstrated shows that simple infrared sensors, when coupled with appropriate signal processing, can be used to extract substantially more information than such devices are commonly employed for.