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Thermal Imaging for Detecting Elevated Body Temperature
by Eirik Solberg
on Mar 30 2020
Can thermal cameras be used to detect a virus or an infection?
The quick answer to this question is no, but thermal imaging cameras can be used to detect Elevated Body Temperature. FLIR thermal cameras have a long history of being used in public spaces—such as airports, train terminals, businesses, factories, and concerts—as an effective tool to measure skin surface temperature and identify individuals with Elevated Body Temperature (EBT).
In light of the global outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), which is now officially a pandemic, society is deeply concerned about the spread of infection and seeking tools to help slow and ultimately stop the spread of the virus. Although no thermal cameras can detect or diagnose the coronavirus, FLIR cameras can be used as an adjunct to other body temperature screening tools for detecting elevated skin temperature in high-traffic public places through quick individual screening.
If the temperature of the skin in key areas (especially the corner of the eye and forehead) is above average temperature, then the individual may be selected for additional screening. Identifying individuals with EBT, who should then be further screened with virus-specific diagnostic tests, can help reduce or dramatically slow the spread of viruses and infections.
The thermal camera must be able to image the inner corner (tearduct) of the eye when screening for EBT. Have subjects remove glasses or any other eye obstructions before screening.
Using thermal cameras, officials can be more discrete, efficient, and effective in identifying individuals that need further screening with virus-specific tests. A variety of institutions, including transportation agencies, businesses, factories, and first responders are using thermal screening as an EBT detection method and as part of employee health and screening (EH&S).
Airports in particular are actively employing FLIR thermal cameras as part of their screening measures for passengers and flight crews. The screening procedures implemented at airports and in other public places are just the first step when it comes to detecting a possible infection: it’s a quick way to screen for anyone who might be sick, and must always be followed up with further screening before authorities decide to quarantine a person.
When screening for EBT with a FLIR thermal camera, it’s important to screen one person at a time, standing no more than 1-2 meters away from the camera.
What FLIR cameras are used for thermal screening?
While governments outside the United States may choose from many different cameras, FLIR has a 510(k) filing (K033967) with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for select camera models for use as an adjunct to other body temperature screening tools to detect differences in skin surface temperatures. OEMCameras.com recommends a variety of FLIR Cameras.
For more information about ordering FLIR cameras for temperature screening purposes in the United States, please call: 1-888-919-2263. Outside the United States: +1-845-343-4077.
Source: FLIR.com
FLIR Expands Scion Thermal Monocular Series with Longer Range Detection
by Eirik Solberg
on Jan 22 2020
FLIR is expanding the popular FLIR Scion Outdoor Thermal Monocular (OTM) and Professional Thermal Monocular (PTM) series with new 25mm lens or 36mm lens variants for longer range detection.
FLIR SCION OTM <9Hz36mm Lens
FLIR SCION OTM 30Hz36mm Lens
FLIR SCION PTM 60Hz36mm Lens
FLIR SCION OTM Series
Coupled with FLIR’s high-performance Boson® thermal core, the new 770m lens extends viewing capabilities up to 700 meters and the 1120m lens offers observation up to 1,000 meters. The increased range helps users quickly detect objects at extreme lengths with smooth, unwavering vision in challenging environments and the new manual focus feature customizes users viewing preference.
Packed with more features than any other FLIR commercial thermal handheld, Scion PTM and OTM are available with a 9 hertz or a 60 hertz refresh rate and include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® connectivity; 2 gigabytes of internal storage and a microSD™ card slot to record both geotagged video or still images; a rugged IP67-rated housing; picture-in-picture zoom; and global positioning system (GPS) functionality. Additionally, a new Lock Span Mode creates highly detailed images by eliminating unwanted temperature detection with a locked temperature range.
Source: FLIR
FLIR Scion Thermal Monocular for Public Safety Professionals
by Eirik Solberg
on Jan 22 2019
FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) announced today the launch of the FLIR Scion ™ Professional Thermal Monocular (PTM) for public safety professionals. The Scion PTM is powered by FLIR’s high-performance Boson ® thermal core for greater image quality and features connectivity with FLIR TruWITNESS® to allow real-time encrypted thermal video streaming to provide professionals with greater situational awareness. This press release features multimedia.
The rugged Scion PTM features FLIR’s most advanced thermal imaging core, which allows users to quickly detect objects with greater detail and offer clear vision in low visibility conditions. Available in a 60 hertz refresh rate, the Scion PTM features 2 gigabytes of internal storage and a microSD ™ card slot to record both geotagged video or still images for later playback. Additional features include, picture-in-picture zoom, global positioning system (GPS) functionality, and both Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi capabilities to allow simple file transfer between devices. When linked with the FLIR TruWITNESS wearable sensor platform built for city-level security and public safety operations, Scion PTM combines video, audio, and location data to allow organizations to stream thermal footage of any pursuit, evidence recovery, or search and rescue effort to the command center via wireless network. “The FLIR Scion is FLIR’s most feature rich commercial thermal handheld monocular available, bringing a new level of technology to public safety agencies,” said Jim Cannon, President and CEO for FLIR Systems. “Additionally, the Scion PTM’s integration with FLIR TruWITNESS makes this an invaluable tool that will help provide public safety professionals with more information for real-time decision making in the field.”
The Scion PTM, which replaces FLIR’s H series monocular thermal cameras, is available now in the United States starting at $3,295 MSRP
Source: flir.com
FLIR Introduces F-Series ID Thermal Security Cameras with Built-In Analytics
by Eirik Solberg
on Apr 10 2018
The latest addition to FLIR’s F-Series family of premium thermal security cameras, today FLIR introduces the F-Series ID, a high-resolution thermal security camera with on-board analytics. Featuring a best-in-class 640×480 FLIR thermal sensor with up to 300 percent greater thermal sensitivity than previous F-Series models, the F-Series ID provides crisp, detail-rich imagery in low-contrast conditions and yields better image and range performance, setting the standard for critical infrastructure customers needing threat detection and alarm assessment.
The F-Series ID detects potential intruders in both low or zero light conditions, and its built-in analytics classify human and vehicular targets that pose a risk. At the same time, the F-Series ID ignores innocuous targets, such as wandering animals or swaying tree limbs, that might otherwise trigger nuisance alarms. The result is more reliable detection with fewer false alarms in total darkness or through sun glare, smoke, dust, and light fog.
With five lens options, including 44, 25, 17, 12 and 8.6-degree field of views, the F-Series ID provides wide-to-narrow coverage that reduces the number of cameras needed to monitor fence lines, perimeters, and open areas. Combined with FLIR’s custom Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and Digital Detail Enhancement (DDE), the F-Series ID offers superior image contrast and sharpness.
Offering simple plug-and-play installation and automatic calibration, the F-Series ID is certified for integration with most major third-party video management systems (VMS).
The F-Series ID’s on-board analytics can even hand off intruders to other FLIR pan-tilt-zoom cameras installed at a site for autonomous tracking, which is a significant benefit for security operation centers.
The FLIR F-Series ID is available in 30Hz or <9Hz versions.
To learn more about the FC-Series ID, visit OEMCameras.com
by Eirik Solberg
on Aug 07 2017
FLIR has introduced a new series of fixed thermal security cameras, the FLIR FB Series O. Designed for short to mid-range perimeter protection, the FLIR FB-Series O offers plug-and-play integration with FLIR United VMS and certified by other major third-party video management solutions, making it a versatile solution for new or existing security systems.
Joining an award-winning line of perimeter protection thermal cameras, the FLIR FB-Series O thermal security camera features a 320×240 resolution thermal imaging sensor that detects potential intruders in total darkness, and through sun glare, smoke, dust, and light fog. Three separate lens options – 93, 49 and 24-degree field of views – provide narrow-to-wide coverage of fence lines, building perimeters, and open areas.
The FLIR FB-Series O integrates with FLIR analytic encoders such as FLIR ioi TRK-101 that help distinguish humans and vehicles, and FLIR ioi TRK-101 P PTZ Tracker that hand-off targets to thermal or visible pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ)-enabled cameras on the same network. Advanced automatic gain control (AGC) and FLIR’s Digital Detail Enhancement (DDE) provide optimal image quality in all scenes and by integrating with FLIR United VMS thermal configuration, alarm notifications are easily managed.
The FLIR FB-Series O comes with FLIR’s industry-leading 10-year warranty on the thermal sensor and a three-year warranty on the camera body. Global availability for orders begins in August 2017 through established FLIR dealers and integrators. For more information on the FLIR FB-Series O and FLIR’s complete line of security solutions, visit OEMCameras.com
Source: Flir.com
FLIR Launches New Thermal and Visible Security Cameras
by Eirik Solberg
on Apr 03 2017
Today FLIR announced four new security products, solidifying their position in professional security and perimeter protection by offering a more fulsome, one-stop-shop turnkey solution. The wave of new products includes the FLIR high-performance FLIR PT-Series HD (High-Definition) thermal and visible camera system.
The FLIR PT-Series HD is a dual-sensor camera system that provides superior, long-range perimeter intrusion detection regardless of lighting and environmental conditions. The high-speed, pan-tilt camera provides quick and accurate threat verification. The FLIR PT-Series HD offers either a cooled or uncooled 640×480 resolution thermal camera with a 1080p HD visible camera. Multiple high-performance thermal lenses are available, including optical zoom lenses up to 14X. The HD visible camera also features a 30X optical zoom lens with autofocus and low light capabilities. The FLIR PT-Series HD integrates with many of the major VMS providers.
For Product information, visit: http://www.oemcameras.com/pan-tilts/pt-series.htm