7 Best Use Cases for Computer Vision and Infrared Inspection

The idea of being able to see beyond what the human eye can capture is nothing new. Since the advent of cameras and photography, innovators have been using technology to enhance visibility – from powerful zoom lenses to advances in aperture settings to using flash to improve lighting. 

But the invention of infrared cameras in 1929 brought a world of new possibilities and capturing imaginations ever since. With their blurred, usually grayscale or false coloring, infrared videos feel futuristic – like you’re seeing something you’re not meant to see. 

Infrared cameras have long been used by the military, emergency responders, in healthcare, and energy industries because of their ability to detect objects not visible to the human eye. 

Combining infrared inspection with computer vision is now opening up an entirely new world of possibilities.

How do Infrared Cameras Work?

Infrared cameras, also known as thermal cameras, make seeing in the dark possible. Whereas regular cameras capture wavelengths of light, “infrared cameras ignore visible light and seek out something else called infrared,” according to Live Science. “Infrared is a type of low-frequency electromagnetic radiation that is felt as heat.” This infrared radiation encourages vibration among molecules resulting in the creation of heat. 

Infrared waves are part of an electromagnetic spectrum that is always present. Even though you can’t see the waves, you feel them as heat – when you stand in the sun, place your hand over a warm toaster or feel the warmth of another human. The hotter an object gets, the more infrared energy it emits. After it reaches a certain threshold, this energy becomes visible (i.e. fire). 

Infrared cameras are designed to detect those subtle rises in temperature making objects in the dark visible.

What is Computer Vision?

Computer vision is a type of artificial intelligence designed to give cameras the power to detect objects in images just as a human would. Computer vision applications, deployed to existing cameras, detect people, objects and events in real-time without a human viewing video footage. 

To make computer vision a reality, an application must be fed hundreds of images. Those images are then annotated so that the objects or people are identified and properly labeled. This creates a model for the computer to begin learning what each object looks like (i.e. a person vs. a dog). Once the model is properly trained, the application is then deployed to a camera or edge device and begin detecting objects, people or events.

While computer vision has many different use cases, it is commonly used in businesses looking to gain greater visibility into their operations or processes. Industries such as construction, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare, have seen dramatic operational improvements from computer vision. 

Large construction sites with hundreds of people, machines and materials, manufacturers with large and dangerous equipment and retail stores looking for more and more information about customer behavior in stores, all benefit from the real-time data computer vision provides. 

Using computer vision with infrared inspection images blows open the door for potential use cases.

Use Cases for Infrared Inspection Powered by Computer Vision

Because infrared cameras capture light that is invisible to the human eye, they are uniquely positioned to drive even more value to the computer vision market. Promising use cases span industries, scratching the surface of what’s possible especially as advances in both AI and camera technologies continue to prosper.

1. Night Vision

One of the most obvious uses of infrared cameras and computer vision is night vision. By detecting heat signatures and thermal radiation, infrared cameras equipped with computer vision could help improve safety and security across industries. Whether you are monitoring after hours activity on a construction site, retail store, restaurant, warehouse, or venue, 24-hour surveillance Is invaluable.

The alwaysAI infrared model above is detecting vehicles and pedestrians along a city street at night. Customers looking for real-time insights can now leverage infrared inspection camera footage to drive even more value.

2. Industrial Inspections

Infrared cameras equipped with computer vision could also be used in industrial inspections to detect faults and potential problems in equipment and infrastructure. For example, thermal imaging cameras can be used to detect overheating in electrical systems or machinery, which can be an early warning sign of a potential failure. This technology can help prevent accidents and reduce downtime by allowing companies to address issues before they become serious.

3. Building Inspections

Infrared cameras equipped with computer vision are also used in building inspections to detect heat loss and energy inefficiencies. For example, computer vision deployed to these cameras could identify areas of a building that are poorly insulated or where air leaks are occurring so building managers could make targeted repairs and upgrades resulting in reduced energy costs and improved comfort.

4. Automotive Safety

Infrared cameras with computer vision can also be used to enhance automotive safety – especially as more and more autonomous vehicles populate our roads. Some cars now come with infrared cameras that can detect pedestrians and animals in the road, even in complete darkness. This technology can help prevent accidents and save lives by alerting drivers to potential hazards that may not be visible with the naked eye.

5. Firefighting

Since 1983, the National Interagency Fire Center has documented an average of approximately 70,000 wildfires per year with the extent of area burned steadily increasing during that time.  Infrared cameras and computer vision can help by detecting hot spots and monitoring the spread of a fire.

6. Medical Imaging

Medical imaging uses infrared images and computer vision to detect changes in temperature that may indicate injury or disease like tumors, inflammation, and other conditions that affect blood flow and heat generation in the body. This technology can be used in both clinical and research settings to provide a non-invasive and painless way to diagnose and monitor diseases.

7. Environment Monitoring

Infrared cameras equipped with computer vision can be used in environmental monitoring to detect changes in temperature and identify areas of concern. They can also help in the monitoring and protection of wildlife. Additionally, thermal imaging cameras can be used to detect changes in sea surface temperature, which can help scientists track ocean currents and predict weather patterns.

With the ability to detect beyond what hired staff can see, computer vision is transforming businesses. The combination of computer vision capabilities along with infrared inspection cameras is a game changer. 

To learn more about how alwaysAI can help your business with computer vision and infrared cameras, schedule a 15-minute Q&A session with one of our AI Experts.