thermal imaging cameras tics

7/29/2019 Thermal Imaging Cameras Tics

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Pulkit Agarwal

CS08084


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THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS (TICS)

Thermal imaging cameras (TICs) have gained

acceptance gradually just like many other new

products in various service. While the

acquisition of TICs by a department can be a

costly endeavor, their numerous uses make the

devices some of the most versatile tools a that

can used. The capabilities of TICs greatly

increase the effectiveness of people, makingtheir acceptance and use critical.


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CONCEPT OF TIC

The concept of thermal imaging istraced back to

the 1800s and British astronomer Sir William

Hershel. Hershel discovered thatcolors below

the color red in the visible spectrum are invisibleto the naked eye without the use of a prism.

These calorific rays, now known as infrared

rays, are the basis for todays TIC technology.


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All objects emit energy in the infrared spectrum. Thehotter the object, the greater the energy release. Rays ofenergy exist in a spectrum. From low to high, these raysinclude the following:

Radio waves

Infrared waves

Visible light waves(red, yellow, blue, and purple)

Ultraviolet waves

X-rays

Gamma rays


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HISTORY

As technology advanced, thermal imaging technology was

developed for military use. This technology, originally known as

FLIR (forward looking infrared), was used in the Falklands War of

1982 by British soldiers to observe movements of enemy troops.

The technology was later added to military aircraft and widely used

in the first Gulf War.

Military personnel found that use of the thermal imaging technology

gave them the advantage of sight in otherwise zero-visibility

conditions. The technology also allowed personnelto detecttargets

from the landscape by their heat signatures.


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The application of thermal imaging technology following the Falkland

War has expanded in the following progression:

Mid 1980s Adopted by European fire

organization

Late 1980s Adopted by the Fire Department

of New York (FDNY) in 1988 Mid 1990s Adoption and acquisition by other

fire departments in the U.S.

Today Widespread acquisition in the U.S.

with infrequent application


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FUNCTIONS

TIC works by dispersing infrared rays and then

interpreting what is found at the infrared level in a formatthat can be easily seen. In low-visibility environments,

visible light is blocked by particles such as smoke, fog,

and steam. The infrared rays emitted by the TIC go

between these particles and determine the relativetemperature of objects in relation to their surroundings. As

a result, personnel using TICs have a available view of the

area based on the heat emitted by objects.


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SPECIFICATIONS

The majority of TIC units are handheld. Newtechnology, however, allows for theproduction of increasingly smaller units. This newer technology allows TIC units to

be directly mounted to firefighters helmets and affords personnel the ability to

operate with their hands free. TICs vary depending on several factors such as the

following:

Resolution or pixel countResolutions are typically160 by 120 at the low end and

320 by 240 at the high end.

Hertz speedSignal frequency; the higher thespeed the better.

Electronic irisOperation is similar to a camera lens; an automatic iris is preferred.

Dynamic rangeRange of temperature between the ambient temperature and the

highest temperature identified; the wider the range the better.

TemperatureMaximum temperature identified on a display. Some units identify

temperatures up to 300F, while others identify temperatures at 1,000F or more.

ColorSome have black and white displays. Others display various colors

depending on the temperature.


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DISPLAY AND POWER SUPPLY

TIC displays use either LCD (Liquid Crystal

Display) or OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)technology. The display of a TIC is typically the

single largest power draw of the device.

Portable TICs use batteries to provide power to the

device. Traditionally, these units have usedrechargeable NiCad battery packs, but there has

been a more recent trend towards using standard

alkaline batteries.


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NIGHT VISION &TIC

People are often confused of the difference

between thermal imaging and image intensifying

(better known as night vision) technology. Image

intensifiers or night vision goggles take the

available visible light and greatly amplify it inorder to allow for vision in low-light

environments. While people using this

technology are able to see in low-light

environments, the displays do not indicaterelative or specific heat.


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TIC NVC


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ADVANTAGES

Are not affected by weather.

Allow observers to see in zero-visibility.

Quickly identify heat sources, especially in overhaul.

Facilitate victim identification faster during search and

rescue operations.

Improve the search of interior operations.

Contribute to the reduction of both firefighter andcivilian deaths.


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DISADVANTAGES

Will not penetrate glass, however heated glass typically

appears lighter in color Will not typically penetrate water; some penetration may

occur in a fog or mist

May or may not penetrate steam depending on its density

Will display reflections from surfaces such as glass,water, mirrors, and other shiny surfaces

Present a two-dimensional image, which means thatdepth-perception skills must be developed


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LIMITATIONS

Are expensive and may be cost prohibitive for

some departments

Have the potential to fail just like any tool

Are not beneficial unless used


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FUTURE

The future of TIC use in the fire service , network

security is very promising. Many more people are

requiring a TIC unit on every apparatus. While

cost is a factor for TIC purchase, users can expectthat the cost of these units will decrease with time.

Given the multiple uses of TICs, these units are a

sound investment.


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QUERIES????


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THANK

YOU

thermal imaging cameras tics

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