How Does Thermal Imaging Work?

Thermal Imaging cameras are a hot,excuse the pun, take on a traditional security camera. 

Let’s talk about thermal imaging, or Thermography. What is it?

Thermography is the detection of objects using the infared radiation all objects produce. Since these infared rays are invisible to the naked eye, thermal cameras use temperature to detect objects or people. The view through thermal cameras show warmer objects with the contrast of cooler backgrounds. Thus, making it easy to view objects or people within the camera view. The industry calls this passive thermography and it is incredibly beneficial in the security industry.

Thermal Cameras in Security

These cameras have been used in the security industry for over 50 years. Today, because the technology is cheaper, we see more commercial and industrial applications. Fire departments use Thermal cameras to see humans or pets through heavy smoke and also to figure out where the base ,or strongest point, of a fire is.

In the industrial industry, these cameras are used to detect undesirable temperature changes such as when equipment exceeds operating temperatures, or quick temperature change in processing or manufacturing equipment. This prevents costly and dangerous accidents.

Security systems professionals install thermal cameras to increase security in high risk, low visibility areas. Construction sites, Large industrial factories and even car dealerships are examples of common industries using thermal camera technology.

The range of detection  for a thermal camera is another advantage against traditional security cameras. Thermal cameras can detect human-sized objects typically up to 5000ft and vehicle-sized objects at up to 6000ft. Tie in that it is nearly impossible to hide from a thermal camera and you can see the appeal of thermal surveillance. 

Thermal cameras rely on temperature instead of light, which means they are not affected by changes in weather or light conditions. Because of this, even in complete darkness, with masks, hiding behind bushes, in the rain, intruders can be seen. 

Can I Integrate Thermal Cameras into My Current System?

Yes! You can integrate these cameras with an alarm system for a huge security advantage.

Using this technology can help reduce false alarms when used along with a burglar alarm system. Take video verification to the next level! The police will know exactly what to expect when dispatched.

For Instance, imagine having a break-in at your furniture warehouse. It’s big, it’s dark and it’s vulnerable.  An intruder gains access to the building and what happens next? Thermal cameras integrated with your alarm system will be able to detect the bad guys. Even in complete darkness, the intruder will not be able to hide. The police will have the command center on the line watching your camera feed. For example, they can tell the police exactly where your perp is hiding or if he ran out of the east exit. This drastically cuts down on false alarms and increases emergency response time.

Thermal Imaging During The Covid-19 Pandemic.

The fastest growing use of this technology today is to detect body temperature. While this is being written, our world is in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many businesses are using this technology as a hands-off approach to detecting the temperatures of customers and employees. This is especially beneficial in places where large groups of people may gather such as concert venues, hotels, conventions, schools, amusement parks, warehouses, factories and office buildings.

The applications for thermal cameras are almost limitless, and they don’t look much different from your typical bullet or dome cameras! 

Want more info? Shoot us an e-mail at info@inv-sys.com