Smart Thermal Camera: A Silver Lining in the Darkness of Pandemic
Smart thermal cameras are used to detect infrared rays that are emitted from a body and converted into an image. These cameras are suitable to use in the production of industrial products where temperature is one of the critical parameters for processing.
Smart thermal cameras are designed to measure the temperature of a surface ranging from -20°C to 2,450°C without any contact. The equipment can efficiently monitor and regulate the extremely low temperatures such as in cooling chains and extremely high temperatures like in glass and metal processing industry.
Smart thermal cameras have high thermal sensitivity; therefore, they are ideal for dynamic and precise detection. Various models are available in the market suitable for different applications.
Some of the specifications include snapshot function, high resolution and laser pointer makes these devices more valuable tool for firefighters. These smart thermal cameras can provide thermal data with maximum accuracy and consistency for product development, electronic testing, failure analysis and various scientific research needs. It also aids in recording quick temperature shifts in thermal research.
Smart cameras can easily be connected to smartphones via USB interface and then by using an app Smart Thermview, these smartphones can be used as fully functional smart thermal camera. It provides the options to change colour pallets, do live analysis, generate reports in PDF, offer full analysis on saved thermal images and share all of these from smartphone to all other devices.
Applications
Automatic examination of jammed brakes. Thermal imaging cameras are installed on railcars to detect the temperature of passing train and analyse its brake systems. Jamming brakes may develop high temperature due to continuous friction which can be regulated after detection via infrared temperature sensors.
Application in Smart Cities. Smart thermal cameras are used to register and analyse human movement in smart cities for real-time and long-term perspectives. It is useful in urban planning and helps to reveal the occupancy status of the city. These cameras also detect near-collision to enhance safety amid heavy traffic conditions of densely populated smart cities. Also, in context of urban planning and management, smart thermal cameras are used in mapping and modelling human movement and behaviour in public spaces.
No-contact body temperature measuring. Smart thermal cameras can be used to detect altered (elevated) body temperature and are extensively been used in public places like airports, train terminals, businesses, factories, and concerts. It is considered as an efficient device to measure skin surface temperature with no contact and identify the ones with elevated temperatures. These cameras change the energy stored in the infrared wavelength into visible light range which can be seen on the screen of cameras in different colour. For instance, warmest regions appear white, intermediate temperatures reds and yellows, and the coolest parts are seen in black colour.
Temperature monitoring during initial charge. Thermal imaging cameras aids in analysing proper temperature distribution and possible short circuits during first charging process of batteries, thus eliminating the chances of failure and accidents.
Advantages and Limitations
Versatile integration: These cameras show versatile integration with several software and offers control capabilities, also they have many communication protocols in order to develop connection between external automation and control equipment. Smart thermal camera has a significant role in machine-to-machine communication and Internet of Things for Industry 4.0
Easy installation: The cameras are available in various model to meet a huge variety of applications and installations. The ‘compact’ and ‘universal’ versions can be easily installed in small spaces without any additional enclosure requirement such as on the factory floor. An open version without housing can also be fitted for specific application by the customer.
Vey lightweight, compact and robust: Thermal cameras can be fitted in small space as they can close the distance between portable infrared cameras which are used for taking snapshots and devices for stationary use. Their compact and lightweight structure makes them perfect for mobile as well as stationary applications.
Detection in total darkness as well as in harsh environments: Thermal camera can detect the image along with its temperature even in complete darkness. It can also achieve perfect image in extreme conditions such as fog, rain or haze. Also, these infrared cameras have the ability to detect the images over long distance as of 3 km from the lens.
Alarm system in case of threshold: In an industry, it is important to track all the operations properly. Thermal cameras show temperature measurement abilities which displays the exact temperature information of a particular process.
Although there are many advantages of using smart thermal cameras, they have few limitations which somehow acts as a restraint for the growth of market. Thermal imaging comes with high initial investment which often makes it difficult to adopt. Also, there are many objects which shows erratic temperatures and are difficult to interpret even by these cameras. Moreover, the concept of reflection often hinders the use of such cameras to interpret temperature of shiny surfaces like glass. Due to differing emissivity and reflections from shiny surfaces, the thermal cameras fail to provide accurate temperature measurements.
Impact of Covid-19 on Smart Thermal Cameras Market
Recently, the world is adversely affected by lethal respiratory syndrome called Covid-19. It covered more than 210 countries round the globe and effected more than 100 million people. This makes the government all over the world to respond by deploying thermal cameras at border checkpoints in order to restrict the spread of disease any further.
The pandemic outbreak has been challenging for many industries, conversely, the tiring time fuelled the demand of smart thermal cameras and boosted the overall growth of the Global Smart Thermal Cameras Market, as these are mandatorily used at public places, airports, railway stations, markets and others. The global smart thermal camera market is thus expected to grow at compound annual rate of more than 8 per cent by the end of forecast period.
Various companies, organizations and government sectors are exploiting these cameras as primary diagnosis of any infection. For instance, Amazon has taken the step to mount these cameras around its premises to screen its employees for COVID-19 symptoms.
MoviTHERM has established around 52 solutions in eight weeks in the US which includes start-ups as well as existing brands to produce thermal cameras. Variety of cameras has been developed and commercialised having different prices and specifications.
Competitive Landscape
Major players in the market are AMETEK Inc., Fluke Corporation, FLIR Systems, SATIR, Axis Communications AB, Kentix GmbH and Leonardo S.p.A. among others. The research report published by Astute ANALYTICA titled ‘Global Smart Thermal Camera Market’ include detailed study of competitive landscape in the market, with the presence of numerous players and rising demand of thermal cameras round the globe, different players are involved in development or improvement of their product portfolio. For instance, recently Axis Communications AB launched AXIS P-1280 E Thermal Network Cameras for indoor security purpose. Another player, Fluke Corporation launched T-1400 infrared imaging cameras for temperature detection.
Author Bio
Emma is a freelance writer and content strategist who offers to ghostwrite, blogging and copywriting services. She has a keen interest in content marketing with a hold on social media management and market research. With more than five years of experience in writing for different domains, currently, she is exploring a new area of interest in “Information Technology”. Pitch her out to discuss interesting and niche IT domains that are blooming in integration with modern technologies.
