Seamless Day-Night Vision: The Power of RGB-IR Cameras without Mechanical Filters

In conventional embedded camera systems, the RGB channel’s sensitivity captures visible and infrared (IR) wavelengths. It leads to degraded image output due to color distortion. Historically, to mitigate this, an IR cut filter was used during daylight to block IR light, thereby preserving image accuracy.

However, the need to remove this filter for low-light conditions required mechanical switching, resulting in degradation and reducing the camera’s operational life. Fortunately, RGB-IR cameras address such issues, avoiding the need for mechanical filters while improving image quality across lighting conditions.

In this blog, learn about how RGB-IR cameras work, their day-night performance comparison with traditional cameras, their advantages, and use cases.

What Are RGB-IR Cameras and How Do They Work?

Modern color cameras typically have a Color Filter Array (CFA) with a Bayer BGGR pattern. The RGB channel, while sensitive to visible and IR light, struggles with color accuracy due to the overlapping sensitivity. It complicates the assessment of IR light intensity within the captured image, making it hard to achieve consistent image quality in day-night conditions.

Traditionally, an IR cut filter would be used to block IR light during daylight, with the filter being mechanically removed at night to capture IR light for low-light imaging. But, the mechanical component introduced the risk of wear, potentially shortening the camera’s lifespan.

RGB-IR cameras offer a practical solution by using a CFA with dedicated pixels for both visible and IR light. Hence, the camera can easily capture images in both spectrums without requiring mechanical switching, thus maintaining consistent image quality without the risk of color distortion. The absence of mechanical components also reduces wear, which ends up extending the lifespan of the embedded vision system.

Recapping the Advantages of RGB-IR Cameras

Simultaneous RGB and IR Imaging

RGB-IR cameras can capture both visible (RGB) and infrared light at the same time, covering a wider-range light spectrum. It ensures richer and more detailed imaging since this camera can pick details not only from the visible spectrum but also from the IR spectrum. Their capability to unveil details that might be invisible to the human eye. This dual capability provides more comprehensive data from one image capture, improving overall image quality.

No mechanical parts

Traditional systems that switch between visible and IR light often require mechanical filters or moving parts that are exposed to wear and tear issues over time. In contrast, RGB-IR cameras have no need for such mechanisms, which increases their durability. Hence, the lack of moving parts lowers the chances of mechanical failure, extending the camera’s operational lifespan and minimizing the need for maintenance.

Compact design

By combining RGB and IR functionalities into a single camera, RGB-IR cameras eliminate the need for separate sensors or complex switching mechanisms, reducing manufacturing and operational costs. The simplified system design leads to reduced material costs, while the enhanced durability and continuous operation help to lower maintenance and replacement expenses.

Superior daytime and nighttime imaging

In environments with limited visible light, RGB-IR cameras use infrared light from an IR source to maintain high-quality image capture. Since infrared light can illuminate a scene even in total darkness, these cameras can produce clear images without relying on any ambient lighting. It ensures that important details are visible even when there is no natural light, improving image clarity and performance in low-light conditions.

Day-Night Use Cases of RGB-IR Cameras

Smart surveillance

RGB-IR cameras are well-suited for smart surveillance applications as they provide continuous monitoring with clear visibility – day or night. So, they are important for security systems that demand dependable performance 24/7.

In-cabin monitoring

In-cabin monitoring systems benefit from RGB-IR cameras by enabling accurate detection of driver and passenger behavior in varying lighting conditions. These cameras help enhance safety by capturing clear images, even in low light, to monitor factors like fatigue and attention.

Crop monitoring

Agricultural applications can leverage the dual capabilities of RGB-IR cameras. They enable better analysis of crops and environmental conditions by capturing visible and IR light. The dual-spectrum imaging plays a key role in identifying crop health, soil conditions, and other mission-critical factors.

Patient monitoring

RGB-IR cameras empower patient monitoring systems, especially in low-light settings such as hospital rooms at night. These cameras capture clear images of patients, enabling accurate tracking of vital signs, movements, and overall condition, resulting in timely intervention when needed.

Biometric access control

For biometric systems, accurate imaging is a moment of truth. RGB-IR cameras enhance them by providing clear and reliable images, regardless of lighting conditions. It ensures accurate identification and improves security in access control systems.

e-con Systems’ See3CAM_CU83 – Our Latest 8 MP RGB-IR Camera

Since 2003, e-con Systems® has been designing, developing, and manufacturing OEM cameras. We have recently launched See3CAM_CU83, an 4K RGB-IR USB camera built for capturing both visible and infrared light.

This camera utilizes the 1/2.9″ AR0830 image sensor from onsemi and is powered by e-con’s patented RGB-IR separation algorithm. See3CAM_CU83 can transmit RAW RGB-IR data from the sensor to the FPGA, where the RGB and IR data are separated. The RGB data is then processed by the ISP to output Y12, while the IR data is streamed directly.

This camera is perfect for various applications, including biometric access control, in-cabin monitoring, crop health monitoring, image-guided surgeries, smart patient monitoring, and more.

Get more details on See3CAM_CU83

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For expert assistance with integrating RGB-IR cameras into your embedded systems, please contact us at camerasolutions@e-consystems.com.