Infrared Cameras: Why Your Next Computer Needs One

Infrared (IR) cameras are a valuable addition to any computer setup, offering enhanced functionality and improved security. IR cameras can detect light beyond the visible spectrum, capturing what the human eye cannot see. This technology is particularly useful for security and surveillance, as it can detect and identify heat sources, even in low-light conditions. With the ability to recognise unique facial patterns, IR cameras provide advanced authentication and access control, ensuring only authorised users can access sensitive information. In addition, IR cameras have a wide range of applications, from medical diagnostics to electrical inspections, making them a versatile tool for professionals across various industries.

IR cameras can be used for security and facial recognition

IR cameras are an effective tool for security and facial recognition. They are particularly useful for security on personal devices and in the home.

The primary purpose of an IR camera is security. IR cameras can be used for face authentication, which provides a similar level of security to a fingerprint reader. IR cameras can detect light in the visible spectrum and Infra-Red wavelength light, which gives them additional functionality when utilised as laptop webcams. Infra-Red light penetrates the surface layers of the skin, allowing IR cameras to pick out unique facial features, such as surface vein patterns, that are harder to replicate. This makes IR cameras a more secure method of accessing devices than traditional cameras.

IR cameras are also used for facial recognition, which is becoming increasingly common in our digitised world. Facial recognition is used by law enforcement, banking, phones, and more. There are two main types of facial recognition systems: 2D systems that rely on the analysis of two-dimensional photographic or video images of a person’s face, and 3D systems that use near-infrared (NIR) light patterns to detect facial geometry. 3D systems are more secure and foolproof than 2D systems as they can map the face in 3D, making them harder to trick.

NIR-based systems are more complex and expensive to implement than 2D systems, as they require multiple hardware components, including an emitting source to send out IR light waves and a camera/scanning device to receive the reflected light waves. Additionally, NIR emitters must be carefully implemented to protect the user from dangerous levels of infrared wavelength that can cause damage to the human eye with intense or prolonged exposure. Despite these challenges, NIR-based systems are still considered the most secure method of facial recognition.

They can help identify injuries and illnesses in medical settings

Infrared thermal imaging (IRT) is a non-invasive, non-contact technique that can be used to identify injuries and illnesses in medical settings. IRT measures and visualises infrared radiation, providing an indirect measure of the microcirculation's performance. This makes it useful for diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions.

IRT has been used in medicine for over 50 years and has a wide range of applications. It can help detect and monitor inflammation, making it valuable for identifying and treating rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. IRT can also aid in the diagnosis of muscular sports injuries by evaluating the temperature gradient of IR images, which indicates the level of inflammation.

In addition, IRT can be used to assess blood flow abnormalities associated with clinical irregularities. For example, it can help detect circulatory problems and differentiate between primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon, a condition characterised by transient ischaemia in response to cold or emotional stimuli. IRT can also play a role in the diagnosis and management of systemic sclerosis, an autoimmune disease affecting the microcirculation and tissue fibrosis.

The introduction of small, low-cost infrared cameras has increased the accessibility of IRT, allowing for its potential integration into routine rheumatological evaluations and other clinical settings. IRT's non-invasive and non-contact nature makes it patient-friendly, and its ability to detect subtle temperature differences can provide valuable information for medical diagnoses.

They can detect deterioration, corrosion, leaks, etc. in electrical components

Infrared cameras can be incredibly useful for detecting deterioration, corrosion, leaks, and other issues in electrical components. Here's how:

Infrared thermography is a powerful diagnostic tool that goes beyond what meets the eye during a routine visual inspection. It can identify potential electrical issues, such as overloaded circuits, multi-phase imbalances, or poor surface contact, which may lead to deterioration and corrosion over time. By capturing thermal images, technicians can easily identify temperature differences in three-phase electrical circuits compared to their normal operating conditions. This makes it easier to spot performance anomalies caused by unbalance or overloading.

For example, a small voltage unbalance caused by power delivery issues, low voltage, or insulation resistance breakdown can lead to significant problems. It can cause connections to deteriorate, reducing the voltage supplied, and resulting in motors drawing excessive current, delivering lower torque, and failing sooner. Infrared cameras can identify these temperature differences and help address the issues before they lead to costly repairs or replacements.

In addition, infrared cameras can also detect leaks and water damage in buildings. Water intrusion can cause corrosion and deterioration of electrical components, and infrared thermography can help locate the source of the leak. By analysing the colour distribution in thermal images, professionals can identify areas of a building that are abnormally warm or cool, indicating potential defects such as water infiltration. This technology is especially useful for detecting water in hard-to-reach places, like behind walls or inside conduits.

Furthermore, infrared cameras offer a non-destructive testing method. They can be used without interrupting the operation of equipment, eliminating the need for shutdowns or operational disruptions. This makes them a convenient and efficient tool for inspections and diagnostics.

Overall, infrared cameras are highly recommended for detecting and preventing issues related to deterioration, corrosion, leaks, and electrical component failures. By utilising this technology, professionals can identify and address potential problems before they escalate, saving time, money, and resources in the long run.

They can be used in construction, agriculture, and surveillance

Computers with infrared cameras are incredibly useful in a variety of sectors, including construction, agriculture, and surveillance.

In the construction industry, infrared cameras can be used to capture images and videos in extremely low-light conditions, such as on a pitch-black job site. This is possible because infrared cameras can detect light in the invisible infrared wavelength range, which is a form of electromagnetic radiation. This means that construction sites can be documented and monitored even when conventional illumination is unavailable or not permitted. The ability to see this wider spectrum of light gives users access to more crucial project information.

In agriculture, infrared cameras can be used to monitor the health of crops and livestock. Thermal imaging can be used to record different microclimatic conditions, determine yield capacity within a field, and draw conclusions about plant development and health. For example, if plants are under drought stress, their temperature changes, and this can be measured with infrared cameras to detect the exact surface temperatures on the leaves. Infrared cameras are also used in livestock farming to detect diseases at an early stage and monitor the general health of the animals.

Infrared cameras are also ideal for surveillance, particularly at night. As infrared light is invisible to the human eye, it can be used for covert surveillance, and to achieve high-quality images without the need for additional visible light. This is useful when monitoring intruders, as it avoids notifying them that they are being watched. Infrared illumination is also a good solution when there are concerns about light pollution, as it is less obtrusive than visible light.

They can be used in low-light conditions

Infrared cameras are ideal for use in low-light conditions or even at night. They are often referred to as 'night vision' cameras. This is because infrared light, which cannot be detected by the human eye, is utilised by IR cameras to 'see'.

In low-light, IR cameras use built-in IR LEDs, which emit infrared light. This light is then reflected by objects and collected by the camera lens. The number of built-in IR LEDs in a camera influences the camera's night vision range and will also impact the resolution of the footage.

In normal lighting conditions, a low-light camera will be working in overload and will project blurred images. In contrast, IR cameras are designed to function in low-light conditions and can capture high-quality and sharp thermal images. They can detect objects even if their temperature is very low, with a high degree of sensitivity that allows them to capture temperatures close to 0 degrees Celsius.

IR cameras are also advantageous as they have no visual limitations. Objects that come between intruders and the camera, such as trees or bars, are not an impediment for IR cameras since they detect the heat emitted by bodies and will, therefore, detect the intrusion.

Additionally, IR cameras can be used during the day as well. When light is available, the camera will usually produce a coloured picture. As it gets darker, the IR will switch on, and the camera will begin to record in black and white, using the light generated by the IR.

Overall, the ability of IR cameras to operate effectively in low-light conditions makes them a valuable tool for security and surveillance systems, providing increased efficiency and control when monitoring areas with little or no lighting.

Frequently asked questions