Day/Night Functionality; Introduction - Basler IP Fixed Dome Camera User Manual

6 Day/Night Functionality

6.1 Introduction

Basler IP Fixed Dome Cameras are equipped with day/night functionality. Cameras with day/night
functionality are well-suited for use in areas with natural lighting during the day and artificial lighting
at night. And when used with a supplemental IR illuminator, these cameras can produce high-quality
images in areas with little visible light, which makes then very useful in applications with poor
lighting.
During daylight, a day/night camera delivers color images. As evening approaches and the daylight
level decreases, the camera can automatically switch to night mode. In night mode, the camera
makes use of near-infrared (IR) light to deliver high-quality black and white images.
Daylight includes both visible light and near-infrared light. Visible light ranges in wavelength from
about 400 to 750 nanometers and near-IR light from about 750 to 1000 nanometers. Unlike the
human eye, the sensor in color IP cameras is sensitive to both visible light and to near-infrared light.
During the daytime, the camera's sensitivity to near-infrared light causes a problem; near-infrared
light distorts the colors in the captured images as perceived by the human eye. To avoid this
problem, the cameras include an IR-cut filter located in front of the imaging sensor. This filter blocks
the near-infrared light present in daylight and ensures proper colors in the captured images.
Day/night cameras include a mechanical mechanism that allows the IR-cut filter to be automatically
removed from in front of the sensor. So when daylight decreases as evening approaches, the
day/night camera senses the change, it goes into night mode, and the internal mechanism in the
camera removes the IR-cut filter from in front of the sensor. This allows the camera to use any
available near-infrared light to produce black and white images. An IR illuminator that provides
infrared light can be placed in the area where the camera is located to enhance its ability to produce
high-quality images in low light or in nighttime conditions.
Definitions
When referring to the camera's IR-cut filter:
the terms closed or in the closed position mean that the mechanical mechanism in the
camera has placed the IR-cut filter in front of the sensor.
the terms open or in the open position mean that the mechanical mechanism in the camera
has removed the IR-cut filter from in front of the sensor.
Basler IP Fixed Dome Camera
Day/Night Functionality
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