Thermal-Imaging-Camera Information

Thermo imaging cameras detect the heat produced by infrared radiation.

Camera devices store and record images, ranging from photographs to moving images. A thermal imaging camera is a device that requires heat to perform, and is often used as a detection tool.

Definition

A thermal imaging camera, abbreviated TIC, is a type of thermographic camera. Thermographic technology displays images using radiation as opposed to standard cameras that use natural light to form images.

Applications

Thermal imaging camera applications include home and building energy conservation and inspection, allowing you to identify energy inefficiencies in your home. Firefighters utilize thermal imaging cameras to see areas of heat through darkness, smoke and heat-permeable barriers.

Process

A thermal imaging camera typically contains a detector, optic system, amplifier, signal processor and display. Thermal imaging cameras used for firefighting combine these components in a waterproof, heat-resistant housing. These components work together to convert infrared radiation into a visible light representation. Thermal imaging cameras typically represent normal temperature objects in grayscale, while rendering extremely hot surfaces in different colors. Thermal imaging cameras display two objects with the same temperature as the same color.

References

• AJAX: Applications for Thermal Cameras
• "Thermal Imaging Cameras: Principles and Practice"; Don Flanagan; 2010

Resources

• "Thermal Imaging Cameras: Characteristics and Performance"; T. L. Williams; 2009