What to Look For in a Thermal Imaging Camera System

Thermal imaging camera systems are used in many applications in industry, medicine and health care to monitor and manage the quality of the environments in which they operate. High resolution imaging cameras are built into thermal imaging camera systems that can provide highly detailed images of the inside of a process or equipment. They are used for such tasks as determining the amount of oxygen in a bloodstream, detecting the presence of airborne particles, detecting the temperature of an area or collecting data during manufacturing processes. Because they do not limit themselves to only one particular field, thermal imaging camera systems are very versatile and valuable assets to have. There are many different types of thermal imaging cameras that are available and each one is capable of providing a high level of image resolution. There are also several different models within each main category:

Single shot thermal imaging camera system: These units use one small unit to take a single thermal picture. The picture is then sent via a remote-controlled cable to a remote spot where a computer or other receiving device can analyze the information. Some of these single-shot thermal imaging cameras use a microchip digital video recorder to take a series of pictures. Others have a built-in motion detection system that uses a timer to continuously take an infrared picture. The number of microchips in these cameras is limited only by the available space and budget.

Two-sensor thermal imagers: These units have two cameras - one to take thermal pictures and another to send the information through a remote display terminal or to a centralized computer. They are designed to handle larger and more complicated thermal measurements than the single-sensor units. The two-sensor system is also able to work in conditions where the source and receiver of the information cannot be seen. For example, it can detect heat sources that cannot be seen, such as an oil reservoir. However, because there is no direct connection between the temperature of the fluid present in the reservoir and the temperature of the surrounding air, the two-sensor camera does not require a direct line of sight to the area being measured.

Multi-sensor thermal imaging cameras: There are some cameras that can work with as many as eight microchips. These are often used by companies doing a lot of thermal work. In addition to the regular camera, these systems also have a laser-based microchip detector and a digital camera. When the images are transmitted to a central computer system, it can analyze the data to create a detailed thermal map.

Video output: A thermal imaging camera can be integrated with a video display terminal. This lets users display the images taken by the camera on a television set. The video can come in two formats - one with a conventional picture and sound feature and another with a 3-dimensional, widescreen image option. Some systems have a built-in pan/tilt/zoom function so that the images can be viewed from all possible angles. Alternatively, the video output can come in a variety of resolutions.

Connectivity: Most cameras today are wireless, but there are still a few that have a wired connection available. The most popular types of cameras use an AC adapter so that they can be connected to any computer. There may also be a USB port for users to insert a flash drive or USB flash drive. There may be a FireWire port for connecting up to eight computers together. Other connections include a DC input for powering the camera and video input devices such as printers.

Image stabilization: Infrared cameras usually have image stabilization because they have to compensate for the fact that objects with different temperatures move. In general, the camera has an anti-motion-compression algorithm so that moving objects are deformed in time, just as when you would see an image on a television screen. With an infrared camera, this ability is very useful for photography. But it is also valuable for the medical field, where the body of the patient may move slightly during a procedure.

Features: Cameras with all these capabilities are very expensive, but not all of the features discussed here are necessary for a thermal imaging camera to perform adequately. You will probably only need a thermal printer if you plan to make high-quality thermal images. Otherwise, a standard thermal imaging camera should do the job. You may want to consider buying a compact thermal imaging camera to take your thermal imaging needs with you wherever you go, though, because it is small and inexpensive and can even take video.