Infrared digital still camera ... a new fully calibrated uncooled IR system

Citation

(1998), "Infrared digital still camera ... a new fully calibrated uncooled IR system", Sensor Review, Vol. 18 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.1998.08718bad.003

Infrared digital still camera ... a new fully calibrated uncooled IR system

Infrared digital still camera ... a new fully calibrated uncooled IR system

Keywords Cameras, Inframetrics, Infrared

The new low-cost ThermaSNAP camera, from Inframetrics, is ideal for predictive maintenance applications where the object of interest is stationary. It provides instant and crisp thermal images on its inbuilt 102mm active matrix colour LCD screen across a temperature measurement range of ­20°C to 350°C, claim Inframetrics. Hand-held, this innovative camera weighs just 2.3kg ­ including lens and battery ­ and it operates on a standard camcorder battery. Applications for ThermaSNAP include electrical and mechanical IR inspections, condition monitoring of refractory linings, insulation effectiveness, roofing studies and building diagnostics.

High accuracy, low-cost

ThermaSNAP is a fully calibrated uncooled digital IR still camera. It takes advantage of new silicon thermoelectric detector array technology which offers excellent longwave IR imaging and measurement capability at significantly lower cost. Longwave operation, within the spectral band of 8 to 12µm, allows ThermaSNAP to provide accurate results, indoors or outdoors regardless of weather. Accuracy and stability is ±2°C or 2 per cent across the full screen.

Since the ThermaSNAP camera operates as a "snapshot" digital camera only, the manufacturing costs have also been greatly reduced. It sells for about one-third of the cost of conventional calibrated IR FPA cameras, claim Inframetrics.

Simple operation

The system operates by scanning a 120-element detector array to produce a crisp 120 x 120 pixel image in less than two seconds which is fully calibrated for temperature measurement. Users view a real-time image "slice" while scanning for faults and focusing the image. Once a target of interest is located, the snap button is released and a thermal image is instantly captured.

A moveable crosshair detects temperatures anywhere in the image and displays them on a screen in the data window next to the image. Other advanced measurement modes such as Inframetrics' exclusive AutoSpot® feature and a dual spot delta T mode, allow the user to find hot spots and determine temperature rises in the field.

Built-in image storage

Inframetrics' ImageBank FLASH PCMCIA cards can store virtually hundreds of fully calibrated 12-bit thermal images. Included with the camera is SnapView Lite software for Windows, which allows users to view, sort and print stored images. ThermaSNAP's images are also compatible with Inframetrics' TherMonitor® range of image analysis and reporting software.

ThermaSNAP has a standard video output which is compatible with video recorders and standard TV monitors. For remote applications, the camera has an RS-232 control port for controlling the system from a computer.

For further information contact: Inframetrics Infrared Systems Ltd, Riverside Studio, Lumford Mill, Buxton Road, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1GS, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1629 813300; Fax: +44 (0) 1629 814400.