Designing Embedded Vision Systems with NIR Camera Technology: A Practical Engineering Guide
- Vadzo Imaging
- Jun 14, 2024
- 3 min read
The NIR camera is an imaging system where the wavelength of the near-infrared (NIR) light is normally within 700 nm - 1100 nm beyond the visible spectrum. These cameras are built with specialized NIR camera sensors that either enhance or exclusively respond to near-infrared light. Unlike conventional cameras, which capture only visible light, a NIR camera allows imaging in total darkness or through obscuring materials such as fog, dust, or plastic.
For embedded system developers and machine vision engineers, NIR camera modules offer unique advantages in scenarios where visible imaging is insufficient, inaccurate, or impossible.
In this article, we discover more about NIR camera technology is a critical tool in today’s embedded vision systems.
NIR Camera- What is it?
NIR Camera is a general term that encompasses a range of movements that occur continuously as it operates with the help of continuous waves. It is also highly sensitive with a distinct profile that makes it easily project objects located far in a
clear vision. It also uses optical imaging to measure different complex parameters, which is why it is ideal to use to speed up analytics-based decision-making at an industrial level.
It can easily enter through any complex objects, and it operates easily at harsh conditions with longer wavelengths through the NIR spectrum. NIR does not need a new lens, and it makes the existing available optics duo make maximum use. It also has other advantages such as high sensitivity, high contrast during inspection of objects, affordable prices compared to CCD cameras, and ease of use.
NIR cameras also deliver high spatial resolution, ideal for applications like surface inspection and surveillance.
What is the source of NIR Imaging?
Near Infrared (NIR) is used to describe that part of the electromagnetic spectrum nearest to the visible one. Therefore, the human eye cannot perceive it. Therefore, Near-Infrared cameras can be applied to a task which demands this range of wavelengths, e.g., night vision USB cameras. They are smart traffic monitoring systems, biometrics and access control systems, digital microscopes, etc.
Such implementations have always been associated with costly infrared cameras that make use of CCD sensors until the recent past. Yet there is new CMOS technology, which provides sensors that are more susceptible in the near-infrared above 850 nm.
NIR imaging may be achieved by providing a thicker substrate layer (than the monochrome sensor layer) in the visible range. With the new CMOS technology, it is found easier to optimize NIR, this is due to a line of industrial cameras that response very well to the near infrared.
Key Use Cases: Where NIR Camera Technology Excels
The practical applications of NIR camera systems extend across multiple industries. Here are the most prominent NIR camera uses:
Facial Recognition and Eye Tracking
Near-infrared illumination provides uniform lighting that isn’t affected by ambient visible light, making it ideal for facial detection in access control systems and attention-tracking in automotive drowsiness detection.
Pharmaceutical and Food Inspection
Foreign particle detection inside sealed blister packs, quality control of opaque capsules, and moisture content estimation are made easier with NIR camera due to its material penetration characteristics.
Medical Imaging and Diagnostics
NIR camera sensors are used in near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for tissue oxygenation measurement, vein detection, and non-invasive diagnostics, providing deeper visibility under skin layers than visible light.
Surveillance and Security
Low-light surveillance in outdoor or covert installations benefits from NIR camera USB solutions paired with 850nm/940nm IR illumination. These systems capture sharp images without alerting subjects, thanks to invisible IR light.
Agricultural Crop Monitoring
NIR reflectance data is critical for evaluating plant health. Healthy vegetation reflects more NIR light than stressed or diseased plants. Mounted NIR camera modules on drones enable precision agriculture through NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) analysis.
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Embedded Development: Choosing the Right NIR Camera Module
When integrating an NIR camera into an embedded system, consider key factors like spectral range (match with 850nm or 940nm IR light sources), low-light sensitivity (BSI sensors offer higher QE), and a balance of frame rate and resolution (e.g., 1080p at 30–60 fps) for real-time applications.
Compact form factors suit space-limited designs like wearables or kiosks, while interface options such as USB or MIPI ensure seamless connectivity with platforms like NVIDIA Jetson or Raspberry Pi CM4.
