Since its discovery in the early nineteenth century, infrared light gave birth to a plethora of different applications, particularly in imaging technology. Nowadays, infrared camera applications vary from aerial archaeology and quarantine operations to predictive maintenance and night vision. Infrared technology has been proven to be effective in generating important data to help decision makers choose the best option to take.
Aerial Archaeology
This is the study of ancient remains of a given place by taking infrared images from a certain altitude to generate data which may prove to be useful to archaeologists. IR image from a given altitude help gain a better appreciation of other fine details which may have been missed when they were doing their examinations on the ground. Because infrared cameras primarily search for heat signatures of a given area and not the colors, archaeologists would be able to determine which area to physically examine first.
Quarantine Operations
During H1N1 outbreak, visitors from other places are routinely monitored for any signs of carrying the diseases. Since it would be almost physically impossible to check the temperatures of visitors one by one using conventional thermometers, medical authorities turned to infrared imaging technology. Infrared cameras were placed at strategic points where it would be able to capture the thermal signatures of newly disembarked visitors. Medical authorities then try to interpret the images and the heat signature captured by the Infrared camera then determines whether a visitor is a candidate for quarantine procedures.
Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance is a process by which technicians gauges the internal condition of an equipment in order to determine whether maintenance should already be performed. This procedure often saves a company a lot of money when compared to time-based maintenance schedule because the tasks to be performed are done only when there is a need to do so. Technicians use infrared imaging technology to help them gauge whether maintenance is needed. Infrared cameras give the technicians a clear picture of what is happening inside the machine, whether the gears are still okay or if it is already worn out.
Night Vision
Perhaps one of the most popular uses of infrared technology, night vision cameras utilize IR illumination for the viewer to be able to see in the dark. The image that is returned by the night vision camera with infrared technology is usually monochromatic but would clearly show the full image of a darkened area. This application is normally used as security cameras in sensitive areas and by soldiers during nighttime operations.
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