Pulkit Agarwal CS08084

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, making their acceptance and use critical.

CONCEPT OF TIC
The concept of thermal imaging is traced back to the 1800s and British astronomer Sir William Hershel. Hershel discovered that colors below the color red in the visible spectrum are invisible to the naked eye without the use of a prism. These calorific rays, now known as infrared rays, are the basis for todays TIC technology.

All objects emit energy in the infrared spectrum. The hotter the object, the greater the energy release. Rays of energy exist in a spectrum. From low to high, these rays include the following:
Radio waves Infrared waves Visible light waves (red, yellow, blue, and purple) Ultraviolet waves X-rays Gamma rays

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 personnel to detect targets from the landscape by their heat signatures.

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

FUNCTIONS
TIC works by dispersing infrared rays and then interpreting what is found at the infrared level in a format that 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 relative temperature 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.

SPECIFICATIONS
The majority of TIC units are handheld. New technology, however, allows for the production 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 count Resolutions are typically 160 by 120 at the low end and 320 by 240 at the high end. Hertz speed Signal frequency; the higher the speed the better. Electronic iris Operation is similar to a camera lens; an automatic iris is preferred. Dynamic range Range of temperature between the ambient temperature and the highest temperature identified; the wider the range the better.

Temperature Maximum temperature identified on a display. Some units identify temperatures up to 300F, while others identify temperatures at 1,000F or more.
Color Some have black and white displays. Others display various colors depending on the temperature.

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 used rechargeable NiCad battery packs, but there has been a more recent trend towards using standard alkaline batteries.

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 in order 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 indicate relative or specific heat.

TIC

NVC

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 and civilian deaths.

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 that depth-perception skills must be developed

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

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 expect that the cost of these units will decrease with time. Given the multiple uses of TICs, these units are a sound investment.

QUERIES????

THANK YOU