Definition

near-infrared illumination

Part of the Electronics glossary:

Near-infrared illumination is a method of night vision wherein a device that is sensitive to invisible near infrared radiation is used in conjunction with an infrared illuminator.  

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    Thermal imaging is a method of improving visibi...

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A popular and inexpensive method of night vision, near-infrared illumination is used in a variety of applications. In perimeter protection, for example, near-infrared illumination can be integrated with video motion detection and intelligent scene analysis devices for a reliable low-light video security system. In camcorders, the technology can augment otherwise low-light scenes to produce reasonable image quality. Near-infrared illumination can also be used to perform high-speed video capture high-speed video capture, such as reading license plates of moving vehicles in an automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) system. Like thermal imaging, near-infrared illumination may provide visibility in fog, mist, rain and snow.

Near-infrared illumination,  low-light imaging and thermal imaging are the three most common night vision technologies.

 

See also: low-light imaging, thermal imaging

Source: Electrophysics Night Vision, a Group Sofradir Company

This was last updated in April 2011
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

Related Terms

Definitions

  • thermal imaging

    - Thermal imaging is a method of improving visibility of objects in a dark environment by detecting the objects' infrared radiation and creating an image based on that information. (WhatIs.com)

  • night vision

    - Night vision is technology that provides users with some vision in total darkness and improved vision in low-light environments. (WhatIs.com)

  • low-light imaging

    - Low-light imaging is a technology used to improve visibility in dimly lit environments. (WhatIs.com)

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