Easy to Deploy Thermal Imaging Systems for the Fight Against COVID-19

April 30, 2020

Many organizations are at risk of continued interruption to operations due to coronavirus and possible future pandemics. Thermal Imaging solutions from FLIR can help screen frontline employees for elevated body/skin temperature – a possible sign of fighting infection – before they enter crowded workspaces. Organizations that deploy these screening systems can help provide a more safe and secure workplace for a productive workforce.

Because thermal imaging cameras can detect and visualize heat, it seems logical to use one in non-contact screenings for elevated skin temperature (EST). But this application is not appropriate to every camera model or brand.

Thermal cameras that offer temperature measurement as well as a high thermal pixel resolution and accuracy are the best choice. Popular FLIR models like the Exx-Series and T-Series cameras meet these base requirements, but more importantly, also offer a built-in Screening mode designed for EST applications.

A thermal imaging camera can be an effective screening device for detecting individuals with an elevated skin temperature. This type of monitoring can provide useful information when used as a screening tool in high-traffic areas to help identify people with an elevated temperature compared to the general population. That individual can then be further screened using other body temperature measuring tools.

Although thermal imaging cameras are primarily designed for industrial and night vision uses, public health organizations have used FLIR cameras around the world at airports, seaports, office buildings and other mass gathering areas to provide rapid, efficient screening in high traffic areas. FLIR thermal cameras are particularly well suited to this because they can provide a temperature reading of a person’s face in a matter of seconds.

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What to look for:

• Accuracy/Resolution
• Screening firmware
• Service/Calibration/Support
• Dual use of technology (Screening and maintenance)

How thermal imaging works

A thermal imaging camera produces infrared images or heat pictures that display small temperature differences. This allows thermal cameras to create and continually update a visual heat map of skin temperatures. In addition, FLIR thermal imaging cameras are sensitive devices capable of measuring small temperature differences.

Many of the FLIR thermal cameras that are appropriate for measuring skin temperatures also offer built-in functions like visual and sound alarms that can be set to go off when a certain temperature threshold is exceeded. The operator can then instantly decide whether the subject needs to be referred for further screening with additional temperature measurement tools.

As the thermal imaging camera produces images in near-real time, the total evaluation process takes mere moments, making thermal imaging technology very useful for rapidly screening large numbers of people.

Measuring the temperature of the human body

It is true that a person’s general skin temperature is typically not equal to the person’s core temperature. That does not detract from the use of thermal cameras to detect elevated skin temperatures, however. Thermal cameras are useful in this role because the goal is not to measure absolute skin temperature, but to differentiate people who have an elevated skin temperature compared to others while also considering the environmental conditions of the location.

Some FLIR camera models offer an elevated skin temperature screening mode that is helpful in comparing the person being screened against the temperature of other people previously screened. When in Screening mode, the operator can save ten thermal images of faces that the camera automatically averages as a reference.

Sound and color alarms

All areas on the subject’s face that are hotter than a predefined temperature value can be displayed as a designated color on the thermal image. This built-in alarm allows users to make an immediate decision regarding whether the subject may need further screening with additional screening tools. In addition, some FLIR cameras are equipped with an audible alarm that can be activated to sound if the detected temperature exceeds a predefined value.

A small investment to enable high-traffic screening

Airports all over the world are using FLIR cameras and have applied this methodology to screen people entering and leaving the country. It is a quick, non-contact method that is safe for both the camera operator and the people being screened.

Go HERE for a video to learn more about how it works 

www.flir.ca