All objects, people, animals and plants radiate infrared. A thermal IP camera, also called thermal imaging camera, has a sensor that can measure infrared energy radiation (heat) and convert the temperature of a scene into an image with temperature colors (color or shades of gray).
This technique can be used for many different purposes. In security this technique can be well applied for reliable 24/7 motion detection and early heat and fire detection. A thermal image sensor is not affected by conditions like smoke, fog and strong (back) light.
Some examples of applications are:
- surveillance of sites, perimeters and border patrol
- monitoring of heating in garbage, bulk goods and biomass
- early fire detection in thatched roofs, in a sever room, in an engine room, nature reserves
- monitoring a no-smoking area at a gas station
There are thermal cameras with only an infrared sensor and cameras with a dual lens where a "normal" image sensor is placed next to the infrared sensor. Thermal cameras are available with a fixed lens and as PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) camera. The cameras can give a notification or switch an alarm as soon as motion is detected or a temperature (area) exceeds a certain value.