Evaluation of Camouflage Effectiveness of Printed Fabrics in Visible and Near Infrared Radiation Spectral Ranges

Abstract

The samples of woodland camouflage materials printed of Lithuanian army pattern were developed and investigated seeking to evaluate their camouflage effectiveness both in the visual and near IR radiation spectral ranges. The reflectance of camouflage fabrics with different surface spectral characteristics was first measured with a spectrometer. Later in order to determine near-infrared camouflage protection, the fabrics and prototypes made from these camouflage fabrics were analysed using the night vision goggles. After the investigation the optimum reflectance values in the near IR spectral range for each colour of pattern were determined. Using photo simulation and spectral analysis a camouflage efficiency evaluation method both in the visual and near IR spectral ranges was developed. The proposed method was applied for determination of the efficiency level of various woodland camouflage materials dyed and printed using different technologies.