Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Yes, a thermal camera can run from a browser. The custom Picothermal design connects a FLIR Lepton 3.5 sensor to an RP2040 microcontroller and sends the thermal image through USB-C. A Chrome-based browser page then requests the device with WebUSB, receives its data and displays the image—without a separately maintained desktop or phone app. It is a prototype architecture rather than a conventional plug-and-play webcam, but it shows a practical way to operate custom thermal hardware from JavaScript.
What this WebUSB thermal camera is
Adafruit’s October 13, 2026 report describes builder Cezar Chirila’s Picothermal project. An earlier version used an MLX90640 array; the newer build uses a FLIR Lepton 3.5, increasing the reported sensor array from 32×24 to 160×120 pixels. Hackaday’s October 15, 2026 report describes the same basic arrangement: a Lepton sensor connected to an RP2040, with a browser landing page used to operate the camera.
This is not a standard USB webcam that exposes a video stream through UVC. The device has custom firmware, USB descriptors and a device protocol. The browser page contains the client-side code that speaks that protocol and turns the returned sensor data into an image.
Recommended Free Tools
How WebUSB operates the camera
WebUSB is a browser API for non-standard USB devices that would otherwise require a platform-specific driver or a native SDK. Chrome’s documentation describes its purpose as making USB safer and easier to use from the web. After you connect the camera, the page opens the browser’s USB chooser; you select the device and grant access. JavaScript can then claim the appropriate interface, exchange commands and read thermal frames.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
That permission step is deliberate. A normal webpage cannot silently open arbitrary USB hardware. The user must initiate the connection and approve the selected device. Chirila’s stated reason for choosing WebUSB was that “the camera works from a browser page with no app to maintain.”
Browser support
Use Chrome or another Chromium-based browser that implements WebUSB. The Adafruit report specifically says Firefox does not support WebUSB, so Firefox is not a target for this project. Compatibility also depends on the browser allowing the page to use WebUSB and on the device presenting descriptors the page understands.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What happens when you use it
- Assemble or obtain the RP2040-and-Lepton device and connect it to the host with USB-C.
- Open the project’s browser landing page in a compatible Chrome/Chromium browser.
- Choose the camera when the browser’s USB device chooser appears and approve access.
- Let the page initialize the USB interface, request image data and render the returned 160×120 thermal array.
- Disconnect through the page or unplug the cable when finished; reconnecting normally requires granting the device again if the browser does not retain the permission.
The browser is both the control panel and the display. The phone or computer supplies the USB connection and screen; the camera itself has no built-in display.
Hardware inside the design
| Part | Role and reported detail |
|---|---|
| FLIR Lepton 3.5 | Long-wave infrared thermal core; the project report gives a 160×120 pixel array. |
| RP2040 | Microcontroller that interfaces with the Lepton and implements the custom USB device. |
| USB-C connector | Carries data and power between the camera electronics and the phone or computer. |
| Buck converter and LDO regulators | The report describes conversion from 5 V to 3.3 V and several low-dropout regulators for the sensor and logic rails. |
| Battery, charger, screen, microSD | Not built in according to the project description. |
Because there is no battery or display, this design is best understood as a USB peripheral. The connected host powers it, runs the interface and stores or processes anything the page provides.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Can a FLIR Lepton work over WebUSB?
Yes, but WebUSB is not a feature of the Lepton module itself. The RP2040 sits between the sensor and the browser. Firmware must read the Lepton’s output, package it into a USB protocol and expose descriptors that the browser page recognizes. The page must implement the matching JavaScript commands and data parser.
That division is why a Lepton module can be used in a WebUSB camera while remaining invisible to the browser as a conventional webcam. It also explains the engineering work: changing the firmware protocol requires corresponding browser-code changes, and a generic camera app will not automatically understand the device.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Choosing a Lepton module for a build
Teledyne FLIR documents the Lepton family as LWIR OEM camera modules available in 80×60 and 160×120 variants, with multiple fields of view and radiometric-capable models. The Picothermal report identifies the Lepton 3.5 and its 160×120 array; do not assume that every Lepton listing has the same resolution, optics or temperature-measurement capability.
Questions to verify before buying
- Resolution: choose an 80×60 or 160×120 core according to the detail your application needs.
- Radiometry: confirm whether the exact module supports calibrated temperature data; a visible heat image alone is not proof of radiometric measurement.
- Field of view: select optics for the working distance and scene size rather than assuming all modules see the same area.
- Electrical integration: check the breakout board, regulator requirements and connector pinout before wiring it to an RP2040.
- Documentation and availability: verify the exact Lepton variant and breakout-board supply at purchase time. The project’s reported hardware does not establish a current retail listing or price.
A FLIR Lepton thermal camera module is the relevant sensor purchase. A FLIR Lepton breakout board can simplify prototyping, but it does not remove the need to design the RP2040 firmware and browser protocol.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
WebUSB versus other thermal-camera approaches
| Approach | Browser compatibility | App or driver | Sensor and protocol considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picothermal-style WebUSB | Chrome/Chromium; Firefox is reported unsupported | No maintained native companion app, but a compatible web page is required | Custom RP2040 protocol; Lepton 3.5 reported at 160×120 |
| UVC thermal camera | Broad operating-system camera support; browser access depends on the site and platform | Usually uses the operating system’s standard camera stack | Appears as a video device, but may expose less sensor-specific control |
| Phone thermal accessory | Usually centered on the phone maker’s supported platform | Typically requires a native mobile app | Convenient packaging, but model-specific software and compatibility |
WebUSB removes native-app maintenance from the project owner, not all software maintenance. The landing page, browser API behavior, USB descriptors and firmware protocol still need to remain compatible.
Important limitations
- No independent performance figures: the available project reports do not establish frame rate, thermal accuracy, latency or battery life.
- Host dependence: the camera has no stated battery, screen or storage, so operation depends on a connected phone or computer.
- Browser dependence: a browser without WebUSB support cannot operate it through this method.
- Custom-hardware complexity: power regulation, USB descriptors, firmware and JavaScript all have to agree.
- Resolution is not temperature accuracy: 160×120 describes the reported array size, not calibrated measurement performance.
Who should use this architecture?
It suits developers, educators and hardware makers who want a browser-controlled instrument, a demonstrator or an open interface that works across compatible computers without shipping a native executable. It is less suitable when you need a consumer-ready camera that works in every browser, records independently of a host or provides established radiometric specifications and support.
The core idea is straightforward: put the sensor and USB device logic in hardware, then put the controls and visualization in a webpage. With an RP2040 and the appropriate Lepton variant, WebUSB can make a custom thermal camera feel as simple to run as visiting a landing page—provided the user has a Chromium browser and the project’s firmware and page remain matched.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
