Creation of an infrared night vision cameras from a web camera
August 13, 2010 | Author: dimio As a continuation of my recent notes dedicated to creating a home surveillance system running Linux (using the program Motion) I want to tell you about the simplest way to rework the usual Web camera in the so-called night-vision camera - is able to perceive the infrared spectrum.
What is infrared night vision camera
In fact, any digital camera can act as an image intensifier (electron-optical converter) for a night vision device (NVD) of the zero generation (in these NVD uses an active infrared illumination of the area) because the matrix cells perceive themselves not only visible, but the IR spectrum. Cut off the "extra" light through color filters (in this case - IR cut filter) and made it to the camera image is issued in line with perceived by the human eye. By the way, cheap camera infrared filter can be weak or absent altogether - to check you can shine a remote control such as a mobile phone camera. Consequently, the dismantling of IR filter can be of the usual Web camera to camera night vision, at the same time increasing the overall sensitivity of the webcam and getting rid of the noise images in low light conditions
Removing the IR filter from webcam
Consider the process of removing the IR filter on the example of a webcam Logitech Webcam C120. The Internet is a good with descriptions (in English). ways to remove the IR filter from a web camera key sizes. Even if a particular model of camera is not there (as there is my example) - it is useful to find the nearest similar and familiar with its device, it is useful for the future dismantling of his camera.
- The first step is to disassemble the body - removing the cover from the front hemisphere by removing the rubber plug that covers the seat mounting screw and unscrew the screw itself. To perform these operations require at least a thin Phillips screwdriver (hour works best), remove the cap comfortable, podkovyrnuv some sharp object, although it really do nails.
- After unscrewing the camera is broken down into two halves, the hemisphere, which you need to pull them apart from the main seam. It is possible to remove an established stand, if it is not needed in the future, and take out the LED indicator svetoprovodnik on and off button on the back of the camera.
- Now we need to take charge of the slots with a fixed lens on it. After that, the lens focusing ring is removed, and he unscrewed the casing of the matrix. All shot to set aside, and came primarily Let us - the matrix.
- To remove the cover from the matrix need to unscrew the two screws on the rear side of the board. Cover the perimeter is glued to the board, so it should be removed gently, but with the application of some effort. After removing the skin from the matrix board is better, too, put away that you do not accidentally damage the matrix.
- We proceed to the main stage. IR cut filter is glued to the casing from the inside, personally I reversibly dismantle it did not work - just had to knock out with the help of a sewing needle and clean the debris (do it better with glasses - IR filter glass and small pieces of glass can fly into the eye).
- That's all, night vision camera ready! It remains to put in place cover (when installing pay attention to the keys located on the housing and board - ledges and holes, respectively, a combination which provides the correct location of the casing). Fasten the lens casing, connect the camera and check its performance .
Now you just enter the chamber in a convenient package (you can use regular if its size and shape you are happy) and put in the right place - for example over the entrance door, the wire connecting the camera to the computer. And enjoy yourself collected by video surveillance system!
Why else might come in handy infrared camera
Apart from the fact that the infrared camera itself is less sensitive to low light, and therefore better suited for regular use as an alarm, it has several interesting features:
- The first and foremost, stemming from the very essence of the infrared camera - she sees infrared radiation, and hence with such a camera will work perfectly invisible to the naked eye, infrared illumination (the same principle of zero-generation night vision). Uncle Liao offers - From light bulbs for a standard 220 V up to. those that are mounted on the "adult" security camera. Made in the form of boards, and as semi-and finished devices. For example, to separate the infrared LEDs will be useful to find to dissipate the beam.
- A second feature of the infrared camera is the permeability of the infrared radiation of some materials (for example - synthetics). Also in the infrared light visible guards banknotes. Quite a funny look at the veins of the body, removed the IR camera.
As you can see, to make an infrared night camera from the very simple web-camera - is not difficult and costly to both the effort and time. But the possibility of such modifications, provides a very interesting both from a practical point of view and from the standpoint of ordinary curiosity. The next step would be to create a module IR illumination, which can be used for "night vision" in conjunction with an ordinary cell, the camera is capable of detecting the infrared spectrum - get real mobile night vision!
Be creative, invent, and good luck!
More on similar topics:
Filed under: Linux , Gadgets | 
Tags: linux , Motion , video surveillance , gadget , samodel , Technology | 
41 comments 
A possible example of a frame taken with a camera?
You can. Shooting without an active IR illumination at dusk - if interested - hooked on the note.
The camera does not accidentally Lozhiteg?)
The same.
Thank you, Your article was very interesting for me. I wanted to ask for advice. I plan to install a camera on the street to observe the car. What do you think, whether it will stand the load of negative temperatures? And what / how many LEDs needed to illuminate the range of 4-6metrov. Thank you.
It depends on how negative
As with any consumer electronics probably - already below -20 may be a problem. Plyus humidity, including optics will fog up - also will have to address somehow.
And on the diodes - so take a look at the link in the article - there is the Chinese in the descriptions indicate the approximate range and / or images on a light meter spread - you can figure out what and how much to put the diodes.
removed the IR filter - did not notice the difference (((((
The same model of camera? In my picture the difference in the visible eye.
tried to highlight the IR LED is working! apologize!)))))
I want to prishpandorit 6 IR LEDs do not know how much to stick resistance, and under what scheme is better to solder?!
Answer to this question can not - to me have not arrived from China diodes. How come - I'll use it here kalkulyatorm:
(There is a small educational program on this topic). Believes for a single LED, for parallel and sequential circuits. I would use a parallel circuit (since only 2 of the diode going to put the camera) to the power supply does not increase (but in this case, each diode must be its resistance). For the six pieces, if there are no problems with stress, it will be easier to collect the latter. scheme.
Are you from any city here in Khabarovsk diodes are sold in special stores, the price of about 7p! the scheme has collected two chains in series of 3 diodes and soldered them in parallel, powered by three batteries (cakes, LR41), so purely for testing, shine well at a distance of two meters, and then the camera almost did not see anything!
With Peter. We also sold only in China have more choices, lower prices and easier to pick up what you need. Since there is no urgency - it is easier to order it and wait until the come.
Well, yes)))
As I understand the phones are usually infra-red filters are placed? I would like to experiment with shooting on a mobile phone with infra-red illumination.
Well then I think mainly depends on the quality of the device. On the expensive phone with a claim may deliver. But then the check-in the same remote control did not interfere. For example, on the phone I have the LED panel provides a kind of "monochrome white," moreover, reflected from the surface is also clearly visible. A camera can not see the reflected and the direct pointing at the lens LED flashes blue.
Tested three medium-quality camera phone with 2 and 1.3 megapixels. All three effects were about the same: the LED panel glows white, slightly bluish light, with the lens pointing straight phone light was visible at a distance of 2 meters, but the light is reflected from the surface of the phone "seen" only with more or less glossy reflecting surface and only a short distance (about 3 inches). So I have are filters?
Blue - it is filtered, and on my camera more "blue" than on the phone, which apparently is due to different quality filters. Camera without a filter sees the infrared light is almost white, with a greater distance and much brighter. Here are links to several photos for clarity:
Direct light control in the phone (2-3 cm from the lens): http://www.dimio.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/ircam/irl-pdu-phone_1.jpg
Reflected from the surface (typical office desk, the surface is slightly shining, 2-3 cm from the lens): http://www.dimio.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/ircam/irl-pdu-phone_2.jpg
Almost straight into the camera remote control (top LED is not lit at the bottom - off). Direct light into the lens from a short distance just "illuminates" the picture: http://www.dimio.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/ircam/ircam_1.png
The camera shoots the surface of the table: http://www.dimio.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/ircam/ircam_2.png
The same backlit remote control from a distance of about 10 cm: http://www.dimio.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/ircam/ircam_3.png
Please write more, if not difficult, at what distance your webcam is upgraded to "see" the light from the remote control of de with the direct pointing at the lens, the reflection from the surface and reflected from the surface of what this light is visible. I would like to know how the signal from the remote control can be seen in the ideal case (when there is just a filter).
About reflected above written - a table with a slightly glossy finish "under the tree." Max. visibility at night try to measure and write.
C max. I am having a range of objective difficulties - I still in the apartment more than 5 meters away nowhere. With 5 meters of visible light is perfect both direct and reflected off the table.
Everything is clear. So I do not seem destined to experience shooting with infrared illumination with the phone (due to the presence of filters, which are likely to remove virtually impossible for a camera phone). Thank you for your comprehensive answer, and an interesting article!
You're welcome!
but you can do with a camera on my phone?
See discussion above in the comments.
Have a nice day! There is a car cover idea from the balcony of the 7th floor in the dark made of IR diode illuminator and shoot camera. Do you think it realistic to implement such an idea into reality?
I am sure that is real. But cost-effective or not - see for yourself.
it is quite realno.Est IR illuminators with a range of over 100m but the price is only sootvedstvenna.Neobhodimo podhodyaschuu camera
after removal of the filter, the distortion will shoot day? Well sorry for the camera ..
Color reproduction is distorted. I specifically used the cheapest camera that I found, for these experiments.
heh heh but it's fun especially through objects
Show examples of photos! I'd like to see. (Particularly the veins in the body)
That article, which inspired me poprobovta:
It also has examples of images (including cava). My examples are laid out in several comments above, where I have a candle in a remote camera.
sharpness was lost after removal of the glass and all tsuko!
That shot? There must be a lens that provides sharpness - can you place a filter to remove it?
shot glass. Now the matrix greetTsa a webcam finally can not defined!!
At the same camera the same piece of glass? Once is not defined - possibly in some kind of contact broke off.
I have a camera logitech 9000pro / shine control. camera sees a diode. What if I just buy 20 diodes, and they'll shine. the camera will see in the dark?
If you are referring to the diodes of the consoles - hardly of them will be a big sense. See the link to the IR LEDs of the notes. There is information about the power to lay out some photos / video of a real highlight.
Used the camera Floston K8. Spins easily, removed the IR filter on the lens. Price around 500r
Rabotet under Linux?
Linux did not try.