Convert RGB image to infrared?

Hello everyone,

Is it possible to convert an image captured in Visible Wavelength (VW) to Near Infrared (NIR) using Matlab?

Thanks,

Answer 1

[Image Analyst]

Wouldn't that be nice? It could sure save over the cost of infrared cameras. But unfortunately for you the answer is no. If the infrared wavelengths were never captured by the imaging device, nothing you do afterwards in MATLAB can discover them. They're just plain not there.

[Nitin]

I know this probably won't work but what if I access only the "red" of the RGB image ?

[Image Analyst]

You are almost right - just change "probably" to "definitely" and you'll be right. Red color means wavelengths are in the 600-700 nm wavelength range. Infrared is wavelengths longer than 700 nm. If the >700 nm wavelengths are not there then you can't get them. With some cameras, you can remove the IR filter over the sensor and have the CCD sensor acquire wavelengths longer than 700, but you're modifying the camera, not doing math in MATLAB.

[Nitin]

So basically what I need to to is to modify my camera which takes images in the visible wavelength to NIR...

I dont have much experience in this area and would really appreciate if you could give me a few pointers.

How do I convert my webcam to take images in NIR ?

I would also like to experiment with a range of wavelengths NIR ? Do I need to buy a filter or a series of filters?

Can this be easily be implemented in a webcam or do i need a special camera ?

How about the cost.. it is very expensive ?

Thanks a lot for your help,

[Image Analyst]

You can't do it with a webcam - those just aren't built for tinkering with. You'd need a DSLR or perhaps some point-and-shoot cameras. On the web there are instructions for doing this, for example Makezine

[Nitin]

Thanks a lot!