Our BRI-Driver P series Thermal car cameras work effectively in winter snowfall by detecting infrared radiation (heat) emitted by objects, which is less affected by snow compared to visible light. Here's a detailed breakdown of their operation in such conditions:
Core Principle: Heat Detection, Not Light
Thermal cameras don’t rely on visible light to form images. Instead, they sense the infrared radiation emitted by all objects with a temperature above absolute zero (-273°C). This allows them to "see" differences in heat, regardless of snow, darkness, or fog.
How Snowfall Is Handled
1. Snow’s low heat emission: Snow is typically cold and emits little infrared radiation, so it appears as a dark or cool area in thermal images. This contrasts with warmer objects like other vehicles, pedestrians, or road edges (which may retain heat from sunlight or vehicle friction).
2. Penetration of light snow: Light snowflakes don’t block infrared radiation significantly because they are small and cold (emitting minimal heat themselves). The camera focuses on the heat signatures behind the snow, such as a car’s engine or a person’s body.
3. Challenges with heavy snow: In heavy snowfall, dense flakes can scatter some infrared radiation, slightly reducing image clarity. However, thermal cameras still outperform visible-light cameras, which may be completely blinded by snow.
4. Road and obstacle detection: Warmth from vehicle tires can temporarily heat the road surface, creating a visible trail in thermal images. This helps identify lane boundaries or hidden obstacles under snow.
Additional Advantages in Winter
• No glare issues: Unlike visible cameras, thermal systems aren’t affected by snow glare from sunlight or headlights.
• Cold-weather durability: Designed to withstand low temperatures, they function reliably even in freezing conditions.
In summary, thermal car cameras excel in winter snowfall by prioritizing heat detection over visible light, ensuring consistent performance when traditional cameras struggle.
