Sometimes referred to as the world’s sixth sense, thermal imaging in today’s world is among the top technologies that enhance perception and awareness, but it’s also used in the construction sector.
Through thermographic imagery systems, locator systems, visible light imaging systems, advanced threat detection systems and measurement and diagnostic systems, there are many innovative and highly functional sensing solutions used in daily life scenarios.
Originally, the innovators behind this system came up with infra-red imaging systems which were installed on vehicles mainly for purposes of conducting energy audits. Today there are advanced systems and components that are used for a wide variety of purposes such as security applications, situational awareness, ground-based and airborne surveillance, navigation, research and development, condition monitoring, search and rescue, recreation, transportation safety and efficiency.
These systems are also applied in manufacturing process control, drug interdiction, environmental monitoring, radiology, explosives threat detection, biological, nuclear, chemical, border and maritime patrol. Generally, there are six major segments where thermal imaging systems are used. These include:
The Roofing Sector
Most thermal imaging systems used for roofing purposes detect and identify trapped water, menaing leaks can be easier to find, and you don’t have to spend hours and hours looking for the location of the leak.
The Surveillance Segment
Enhanced imaging systems whether commercially developed or military-qualified provide recognition solutions. This makes them ideal to use for military purposes, public safety, law enforcement and other government projects around the world especially where the protection of public welfare, borders and troops is a key motivation and therefore an important factor.
The Instruments Segment
These systems measure and assess thermal energy, gases and even other environmental elements for scientific, industrial and commercial applications.
The Oem And Emerging Markets Segment
In this category, thermal imagery components especially cameras are used by 3rd parties primarily to create thermal and other types of imaging systems. In this segment, hand-held, brainy traffic systems and weapon-mounted imaging systems are also developed for use by both consumers and law enforcement agencies.
The Detection Segment
Imaging systems used for detection purposes include sensor instruments and other integrated solutions for identification and suppression of biological, chemical, nuclear, radiological and explosives threats. These systems are important and are usually prove invaluable in commercial applications, homeland security and military force protection too.
Since all objects, both natural and man-made emit infra-red energy as heat, thermal imaging technology reveals what otherwise would be invisible to the naked eye. Basically, there are 2 types of thermal imagery devices, the Un-Cooled which is the most common and the Cryogenically cooled. The Un-Cooled device operates at room temperature, is usually quiet, has an in-built battery and activates very quickly. The Un-Cooled device then again is more costly and is susceptible to damage from frequent use. It however has an astounding resolution, is highly sensitive and can record even the smallest of differences.