
Thermal Imaging cameras work by processing the
infra red radiation (the heat signature) emmitted by
an object, measured in long wave radio waves, and
converting the differences in electrical signals that
are received on a specially manufactured sensor,
called a microbolometer, into images. Virtually any
object that has a heat signature can be seen in total
darkness or through adverse conditions such as fog,
smoke, rain and snow.
The technolgy inside todays Thermal Imaging cam-
eras was developed as early as the 1950ʼs for the
military. Early cameras, as you can probably imag-
ine, were both big in size and in price. In those days
the cameras had to be cooled, usually by a gas such
as liquid nitrogen. In addition to these restrictive fac-
tors, the technolgy was highly classified and re-
stricted to the military.
This changed during the early 1970ʼs when the US
Military recognised the benefit in equipping soldiers
with hand held personal devices. As a direct result,
uncooled cameras were developed leading to mili-
tary declassification and reducing the size of the
camera engines and most noticably, the price!
Now, with cameras being more portable and afford-
able, markets opened up throughout the emergency
services, security industry, manufacturing and of
coarse marine navigation, safety and security.
Background
How it Works
Why Thermal?
The most obvious benefit a Thermal Imaging Cam-
era offers is the ability to see clearly at night and
through fog, rain, snow and smoke.
Thermal cameras can also see objects that are
much further away than the coverage of a standard
Lamp or Infra-Red Illuminator, and not having to
worry about separate illuminators means you donʼt
have to worry about running costs and the cost
and hastle of replacing bulbs and maintenance.
The positive knock-on effect of this is that energy
costs and CO2 emissions are reduced.
At sea, the benefits in terms of increased safety
are immeasurable. For Man Over Board situtions a
Thermal Imaging Camera a body in the water is
much easier to spot, especially in heavy seas and
in bad weather conditions.
Important
Considerations
If youʼd like to see the amazing performance of the
NEW IM-PTZ-16t Thermal Imaging Camera, sam-
ple videos are availble to view at the Iris Innova-
tions website: www.boat-cameras.com.
Because of the sensitive Military implications of the
functionality of Thermal Imaging Cameras, importing
and exporting certain devices to certain territories is
restricted and import licenses may be required.
Devices equipped with the lower frequency refresh
rate are generally restriction free, but devices fitted
with the higher refresh frequency of 25Hz (PAL) /
30Hz (NTSC) may need an import license from the
appropriate governmental agency.
For more information contact your Iris Innovations
agent or visit www.boat-cameras.com
About Thermal
A Brief History of Thermal Imaging Cameras
Background Information, How it works and Applications
The Microbolometer is a tiny detector made from
Amorphous Silicone which changes temerature as a
photon hits it. This in turn effects the electrical resist-
ance which is converted by the CMOS cell into an
electrical signal which forms part of the image.
Infrared Radiation is emitted by all objects that have
a temperature greater than absolute zero - even
inanimate objects that absorb heat from the atmos-
phere. The amount of IR radiation increases with
temperature and it is this radiation that changes the
electrical resistance of the microbolometer inside a
thermal imaging camera, which in turn, builds up the
image ʻsceneʼ, processed by the camera.
IR Radiation
Microbridge
CMOS Input Cell
Komentáře k této Příručce