How not to block cameras

Step 2 Conducting the test

Once I established how I was going to conduct the test, the next thing was to actually follow through with doing it. I ordered five different types of LEDs from the Electronic Goldmine (Parts #G14670, G2318, G13661, G2158 and G14587).

I placed these LEDs in a breadboard and then took video of myself holding them to my forehead while powered by 12v.

Some were brighter than others, but none worked as intended. None of them were effective from the side-profile view.

From the initial test, I concluded there was no way it could work.

Comments

[Kagetsuki]

You were featured on the MAKE blog, where a comment was left stating you needed to point the IR-LEDs at your face so as to flood your face with light. Unfortunately that comment neglects to look at the designs featured in the other articles which were featured. All of them have the LEDs pointing at the camera like yours. Furthermore, it would seem you'd need a lot more LEDs or much more powerful ones to actually wash out your entire face with light. I'd attempt this, but don't have an IR camera or filter to actually test with. Your test with the actual security camera may point out another flaw in the design as well. As I understand it part of what makes this work is CCDs flood when there is too much light, react to IR light on their own, and are ultra sensitive to it with an IR filter or lens. The security camera you tested on seemed to be an old-school analog thing, which probably comprise the majority of security cameras even today. I somewhat doubt they would react as poorly to the IR light, and thusly even if you took a design that "worked" with CCD cameras it may not work with old-school analog style cameras. That is a test I would also like to see. Thanks for the analysis and write up. I'm now very curious as to weather anyone can provide us with a working design.