Infrared Camera
An infrared camera forms an image from infrared radiation rather than only the visible light recorded by a conventional camera.
Two different camera types
Near-infrared cameras usually observe reflected infrared illumination. Thermal cameras detect longer-wave radiation associated with surface temperature, allowing warm people or animals to contrast with some backgrounds even in darkness. Automotive systems may use infrared imaging for night vision, occupant sensing, or an additional perception channel.
The term does not identify one universal capability. A thermal camera does not see through every material or weather condition, and it normally lacks the visible color and fine texture needed for tasks such as reading a traffic light. Performance depends on wavelength, optics, resolution, thermal contrast, calibration, contamination, and the detection software.
For the distinction between near-infrared and thermal imaging, their automotive roles, and their limitations, see Infrared and Thermal Cameras.