Industrial and medical image-processing applications often use different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to obtain relevant images. In some nondestructive-testing applications, such as the analysis of power production and transmission/distribution systems, thermal imaging can rapidly locate temperature and heating problems. In medical applications, thermal-energy mapping can be used to detect changes in blood flow and to locate potential tumors. This month we take a look at sites devoted to infrared cameras, software, and systems and show how they are being deployed in different applications.
Studying thermology
www.thermology.com
An informative resource, the Web site of Ashwin Systems Teletherm Infrared Division (Dunedin, FL) depicts typical applications of infrared (IR) imaging. These include medical-imaging references to on-line research in cardiology, dentistry, and neurology. The site also features a comprehensive list of IR imaging conferences, books, research, and software.
Cameras, software, and systems
www.infrared.com
The Infrared (Reno, NV) Web site displays a range of IR cameras, remote systems, and temperature-measurement systems. Here, too, you'll find several typical applications of infrared technology and information on services the company provides.
Multiple applications
www.flir.com
Representing one of largest suppliers of IR cameras and systems, the FLIR Systems (North Billerica, MA) site covers many applications including maritime, airborne, and industrial. You can read about the latest SeaFLIR maritime systems, the Star Safire II and Ultra 7000 airborne systems, and the ThermaCAM 595 hand-held IR system.
Infrared software
www.thermorx.com
As a supplier of image-analysis software, EIC (Jenison, MI) supports such IR applications as plant electrical maintenance, building maintenance, R&D, and medical-research applications. Recently, the company introduced Thermosoft II image-analysis software that is supported by a PCMCIA and color PCI frame grabber. Also described is software that operates with Insight and ISG cameras.
Thermography training
ircameras.com
IRcameras.com (Walpole, MA) bills itself as the starting point for infrared camera technology, infrared training, applications support, and customer service. The site offers descriptions of IR-camera technology, thermography training, and thermal-imaging applications. Featuring systems and applications in areas including predictive maintenance and condition monitoring, the site also shows how IR systems are used in process control, testing, quality-assurance, and military applications.
Compact detection
www.indigosystems.com
Indigo Systems (Santa Barbara, CA) offers a variety of infrared cameras, original-equipment-manufacturer infrared sensor engines, focal-plane arrays, and readout integrated circuits. The company's site describes these products in detail, along with the Merlin IR camera.
