What Are Infrared Cameras?

What Are Infrared Cameras?

Infrared (IR) cameras capture images based on heat, rather than light, to provide information about objects or environments.eo ir camera Unlike electro-optical (EO) cameras, which require sufficient light to create an image, IR cameras can operate in complete darkness, fog, or smoke because they don’t rely on visible light.eo ir camera IR cameras can also detect temperature differences, which makes them useful for a wide range of applications, including electrical inspections (to find hot spots in wiring or overheating equipment), search and rescue missions (to identify people trapped or unconscious), and security screenings (to detect elevated body temperatures that may indicate the presence of certain infectious diseases).eo ir camera

In addition to their ability to see through dark or low-light conditions, IR sensors offer a number of other benefits.eo ir camera For example, they can detect the heat signatures of human, animal, and vehicle movements, which can be useful in a wide variety of contexts, from surveillance to wildlife monitoring.eo ir camera They can also be used to detect footsteps by observing the way in which a person’s foot heats up or cools down the ground.eo ir camera

IR technology is continually evolving, with new developments enabling sensors to operate at ever-increasing ranges and resolutions.eo ir camera In general, however, IR sensors are divided into scanning systems that use a limited number of detectors to scan across the scene, and staring systems that employ large numbers of detectors in rectangular arrays.eo ir camera Resolution is also influenced by whether the sensor is designed for point target detection or for fully imaging scenes. In addition, the phenomenology of the target will often dominate the choice of spectral bands that are chosen to detect it.

IR sensors can be combined with EO cameras to create multi-sensor platforms that have the capabilities of both types of cameras in one package.eo ir camera For example, a dual-sensor gimbal mount with both an IR and an EO camera is capable of delivering high-resolution imagery in all weather conditions.eo ir camera This allows operators to take action based on real-time information about their surroundings, which can improve operational efficiency and safety. For instance, vessels operating in polar regions can use IR and EO sensors to detect icebergs or other formations in the water, which might otherwise be difficult to spot in fog or snow. They can then use this information to avoid collisions with these dangerous obstacles.

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