Thermal imaging

Thermal cameras use thermal imaging technology to capture the infrared radiation emitted by objects. It uses this data to create visual representations of temperature differences, enabling the detection of heat signatures invisible to the naked eye. As a result, there’s no hiding from it.

Reliable detection in any conditions

Thermal cameras offer reliable detection and verification regardless of visibility. That’s because thermal imaging can detect humans, animals, and other objects even in adverse weather and light conditions. Unlike conventional cameras, this technology only allows for detection. While it can determine a person’s shape and size, it doesn’t allow for clear identification, so privacy is always guaranteed. Thermal imaging also offers a cost-effective way to protect your property. With long detection range, fewer cameras are needed to cover large areas. This also ensures lower bandwidth and storage requirements. Plus, thermal cameras need lower power consumption and can detect in total darkness without the need for extra lighting.

What’s the temperature?

Thermal imaging can be calibrated or non-calibrated, where temperature-calibrated imaging provides temperature measurements of objects or areas within the image. With several trigger types, you can receive a notification if the temperature of a particular object or area passes a set threshold, or if it increases or decreases too rapidly. Additionally, analytics make it possible to set triggers and get warnings about early signs of fire. Thermometric cameras also support configurable polygonal detection areas, and spot temperature reading allows for checking the temperature in targeted areas. Furthermore, temperature metadata enables trend analysis. 

The many benefits of thermal imaging

Thermal imaging is beneficial across a wide range of industries and applications. For instance, in security applications it can detect intruders, helping prevent theft and sabotage. In production environments, it can help prevent hazards by quickly identifying potential issues such as electrical fires, leaks, or overheating machinery. It can also help prevent structural damage by identifying leaks in industrial use cases. In addition, personnel can monitor important equipment without needing to be onsite. And facility and critical asset managers can also proactively work with predictive maintenance from remote locations, helping avoid costly maintenance repairs and urgent shutdowns. Furthermore, thermal cameras are ideal in healthcare applications where they conceal patient identify and ensure privacy is guaranteed.

The bottom line? This powerful technology helps improve security and maximize overall operational efficiency. You’ll know about potential issues before they occur so you can take timely action.

How it works?

Thermal imaging captures the heat emitted from objects and converts this data into visible images that show the relative temperatures within a scene, or the actual temperature in the case of thermometry. All objects – organic or inorganic – emit infrared radiation. Conventional cameras work in the range of visible light, which is radiation with short wavelengths. Thermal cameras, on the other hand, detect radiation with mid-length or long wavelengths, which is called infrared radiation. Since objects themselves emit the heat that thermal cameras detect, thermal cameras are not dependent on visible light and can detect in all light conditions.

NOTE: Thermal cameras are subject to stricter export control regulations than visual cameras. Axis offers thermal cameras in both 30 fps and 8.3 fps versions to comply with export control legislation in most parts of the world. There is no other difference between a 30 fps and an 8.3 fps camera than the frame rate.

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