Thermal Imaging

Thermal imagers are needed by first responders for a variety of applications, including fire/hot spot detection and search/rescue operations. Although thermal imagers are becoming a common tool, they represent a significant investment and there are no standard test methods that assess the performance of these instruments. Manufacturer’s literature does not provide consistent information upon which users can base purchasing decisions.

Thermal imagers are challenged in two general ways: first by harsh conditions, in which the camera’s thermal detector may become saturated, or in which the range of temperatures detected becomes too wide for the optics and/or electronics to operate at the highest resolution; and second, by conditions in which the camera’s signal to noise ratio and thermal sensitivity become important, i.e. where surfaces, gases, and aerosols in the field of view are at near ambient temperatures. Standard test methods that capture the potential usefulness of thermal imagers to first responders operating in both types of conditions are needed.

Measuring thermal imager performance also involves measuring the performance of the integrated camera system. Characterizing the contribution of the user displays to the overall package will allow a better understanding of where potential for improvement exists.

A workshop was held at NIST, including experts from the first responder community, thermal imaging camera and component manufacturers, fire fighter trainers, and those doing research on thermal imaging. This workshop provided a forum to discuss the strategies, technologies, procedures, best practices, research, and development that can significantly improve thermal imaging technology for the first responder community. The goal of the workshop was to identify barriers that impede advances in the application of thermal imaging technology to emergency response.

The photos above show the comparison of three different thermal imaging detectors looking at the same view shown in the bottom right.

Report

Thermal Imaging Research Needs for First Responders: Workshop Proceedings
NIST Special Publication 1040; June 2005. Amon, F. K.; Bryner, N. P.; Hamins, A. NIST SP 1040