Review current environment and examine business and technical issues Problem definition and document objectives Proof-of-Concept

Project definition including planning, roles, dependencies, schedule estimate, phases and communication Perform a requirements analysis by working with users and technical staff to document [...]]]> Professional Services Methodology

• Goals and Assessment
• Recommendations
• Planning and Design
• Implementation
• Project Management and Coordination
• Technical Support Services

Goals and Assessment:

Client Stakeholders meeting
Solution Needs and Requirements

Recommendations:

Review current environment and examine business and technical issues
Problem definition and document objectives
Proof-of-Concept

Planning and Design:

Project definition including planning, roles, dependencies, schedule estimate, phases and communication
Perform a requirements analysis by working with users and technical staff to document project requirements, functionality and phasing
Infrastructure
Define an integration application architecture that is flexible and allows for future extensibility
Identify usable components and services
Formulate an integration strategy that leverages existing proven applications, business rules, and data
Prepare a design methodology that is either extreme or agile

Implementation:

Develop project from pilot to staged implementation.
Quality assurance including pilot/user acceptance testing.
Refine solution for production release
Roll out application according to roll out plan
Client Training
Client feedback and sign off

Project Management and Coordination:

Management and coordination will be present for the duration of the engagement

Knowledge Transfer:

Transfer technical knowledge regarding the developed solution to your team members

Technical Support Services:

If desired, provide application and post-implementation and roll-out application support

Thermogram of a small dog taken in mid-infrared (“thermal”) light (false color)

Thermogram of two ostriches

Thermogram of a snake held by a human

Thermogram of a lion

Thermogram of a cat

Thermogram of a traditional building in the background [...]]]> Thermography

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

This article is about the infrared imaging technique. For the printing technique called thermography, see thermographic printing.

Thermogram of a small dog taken in mid-infrared (“thermal”) light (false color)

Thermogram of two ostriches

Thermogram of a snake held by a human

Thermogram of a lion

Thermogram of a cat

Thermogram of a traditional building in the background and a “passive house” in the foreground

Infrared Thermography, thermal imaging, thermographic imaging, or thermal video, is a type of infrared imaging science. Thermographic cameras detect radiation in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum (roughly 900–14,000 nanometers or 0.9–14 µm) and produce images of that radiation, called thermograms. Since infrared radiation is emitted by all objects based on their temperatures, according to the black body radiation law, thermography makes it possible to “see” one’s environment with or without visible illumination. The amount of radiation emitted by an object increases with temperature, therefore thermography allows one to see variations in temperature (hence the name). When viewed by thermographic camera, warm objects stand out well against cooler backgrounds; humans and other warm-blooded animals become easily visible against the environment, day or night. As a result, thermography’s extensive use can historically be ascribed to the military and security services.

The use of thermal imaging has increased dramatically with governments and airports staff using the technology to detect suspected swine flu cases during the 2009 pandemic. Other uses include, firefighters use it to see through smoke, find persons, and localize the base of a fire. With thermal imaging, power lines maintenance technicians locate overheating joints and parts, a tell-tale sign of their failure, to eliminate potential hazards. Where thermal insulation becomes faulty, building construction technicians can see thermal signatures that indicate heat leaks and to improve the efficiencies of cooling or heating air-conditioning. Thermal imaging cameras are also installed in some luxury cars to aid the driver, the first being the 2000 Cadillac DeVille. Some physiological activities, particularly responses, in human beings and other warm-blooded animals can also be monitored with thermographic imaging.^[1]

The appearance and operation of a modern thermographic camera is often similar to a camcorder. Enabling the user to see in the infrared spectrum is a function so useful that ability to record the output is often optional. A recording module is therefore not always built-in.

The CCD and CMOS sensors used for visible light cameras are sensitive only to the nonthermal part of the infrared spectrum called near-infrared (NIR), but not to the part of infrared spectrum useful for thermal imaging (mid- and long-wavelength infrared), so most thermal imaging cameras use specialized focal plane arrays (FPAs) that respond to longer wavelengths. The most common types are InSb, InGaAs, HgCdTe and QWIP FPA. The newest technologies are using low-cost and uncooled microbolometers FPA sensors. Their resolution is considerably lower than of optical cameras, mostly 160×120 or 320×240 pixels, up to 640×512 for the most expensive models. Thermographic cameras are much more expensive than their visible-spectrum counterparts, and higher-end models are often export-restricted. Older bolometers or more sensitive models such as InSb require cryogenic cooling, usually by a miniature Stirling cycle refrigerator or liquid nitrogen.

Thermal Energy

It is important to note that thermal imaging displays the amount of infrared energy emitted, transmitted, and reflected by an object. Because of this, it is quite difficult to get an accurate temperature of an object using this method.

Thus, Incident Energy = Emitted Energy + Transmitted Energy + Reflected Energy
where Incident Energy is the energy profile when viewed through a thermal imaging device, Emitted Energy is generally what is intended to be measured, Transmitted Energy is the energy that passes through the subject from a remote thermal source, and Reflected Energy is the amount of energy that reflects off the surface of the object from a remote thermal source.

If the object is radiating at a higher temperature than its surroundings, then power transfer will be taking place and power will be radiating from warm to cold following the principle stated in the Second Law of Thermodynamics. So if there is a cool area in the thermogram, that object will be absorbing the radiation emitted by the warm object. The ability of both objects to emit or absorb this radiation is called emissivity (see below). In outdoor environments, convective cooling from wind may also need to be considered when trying to get an accurate temperature reading.

This thermogram shows a fault with an industrial electrical fuse block.

The thermographic camera would next employ a series of mathematical algorithms. Since the camera is only able to ’see’ the electromagnetic radiation that is impossible to see with the human eye, it will build a picture in the viewer and record a visible picture, usually in a JPG format. In order to perform the role of noncontact temperature recorder, it will change the temperature of the object being viewed with its emissivity setting. Other algorithms can be used to affect the measurement, including the transmission ability of the transmitting medium (usually air), temperature of that transmitting medium and others. All these settings will affect the ultimate output for the temperature of the object being viewed.

This makes the thermographic camera an excellent tool for maintenance of electrical and mechanical systems in industry and commerce. By using the camera settings and by being careful when capturing the image, electrical systems can be scanned and problems can be found. Faults with steam traps in steam heating systems are easy to locate.

In the energy savings area, the thermographic camera can do more. Because it can see the radiating temperature of an object as well as what that object is radiating at, the product of the radiation can be calculated using the Stefan–Boltzmann constant.

Emissivity

Emissivity is a term representing a material’s ability to emit thermal radiation. Each material has a different emissivity and it can be quite a task to determine the appropriate emissivity for a subject. A material’s emissivity can range from 0.00 (completely not-emitting) to 1.00 (completely emitting); the emissivity often varies with temperature.

A Black Body is a theoretical object which will radiate Infrared Radiation at its Contact Temperature. If a thermocouple on a Black Body Radiator reads 50 degrees Celsius, the radiation the Black Body will give up will also be 50 degrees Celsius. Therefore a true Black Body will have an emissivity of 1.

Since there is no such thing as a Black Body, the Infrared Radiation of normal objects will appear to be less than the Contact Temperature. The rate (percentage) of emission of Infrared Radiation will thus be a fraction of the true Contact Temperature. This fraction is called Emissivity.

A table of the Emissivity of many materials and the temperatures that correspond to them are listed in this link.^[2] You will note in the table that some objects will have different emissivities in long wave as compared to mid wave emissions. As well emissivites may also change when some materials are at a different temperature.

To make a temperature measurement of an object, the thermographer will refer to the emissivity table to choose the emissivity value of the object which is then entered into the camera. The camera’s algorithm will correct the temperature by referring to the emissivity percent and calculate a temperature that would more closely match the actual Contact Temperature of the object.

If possible the thermographer would try to test the emissivity of the object in question. This would be more accurate than attempting to determine the emissivity of the object via a table. The usual method of testing the emissivity is to place a material of known, high emissivity, in contact with the surface of the object. The material of known emissivity can be as complex as industrial emissivity spray which is produced specifically for this purpose or it can be as simple as standard black insulation tape, emissivity 0.97. A temperature reading can then be taken of the object with the emissivity level on the imager set to the value of the test material. This will give an accurate value of the temperature of the object. The temperature can then be read on a part of the object not covered with the test material. If the temperature reading is different, the emissivity level on the imager can be adjusted until the object reads the same temperature. This will give the thermographer a much more accurate emissivity reading. There are times however when an emissivity test is not possible due to dangerous or inaccessible conditions. In these situations the thermographer must rely on tables.

Difference between infrared film and thermography

IR film is sensitive to infrared (IR) radiation in the 250°C to 500°C range, while the range of thermography is approximately -50°C to over 2,000°C. So, for an IR film to show something, it must be over 250°C or be reflecting infrared radiation from something that is at least that hot. Night vision infrared devices image in the near-infrared, just beyond the visual spectrum, and can see emitted or reflected near-infrared in complete visual darkness. Starlight-type night vision devices generally only magnify ambient light.

Passive vs. active thermography

All objects above the absolute zero temperature (0 K) emit infrared radiation. Hence, an excellent way to measure thermal variations is to use an infrared vision device, usually a focal plane array (FPA) infrared camera capable of detecting radiation in the mid (3 to 5 μm) and long (7 to 14 μm) wave infrared bands, denoted as MWIR and LWIR, corresponding to two of the high transmittance infrared windows. Abnormal temperature profiles at the surface of an object are an indication of a potential problem.^[3]

In passive thermography, the features of interest are naturally at a higher or lower temperature than the background. Passive thermography has many applications such as surveillance of people on a scene, and medical diagnosis. In active thermography on the other hand, an energy source is required to produce a thermal contrast between the feature of interest and the background. The active approach is necessary in many cases given that the inspected parts are usually in equilibrium with the surroundings.

Advantages of thermography

• It shows a visual picture so temperatures over a large area can be compared
• It is capable of catching moving targets in real time
• It is able to find deteriorating, i.e., higher temperature components prior to their failure
• It can be used to measure or observe in areas inaccessible or hazardous for other methods
• It is a non-destructive test method
• It can be used to find defects in shafts and other metal parts^{[citation needed]}
• It can be used to see better in dark areas

Limitations and disadvantages of thermography

• due to the low volume of thermal cameras, quality cameras often have a high price range (often US$6,000 or more)
• Images can be difficult to interpret accurately when based upon certain objects, specifically objects with erratic temperatures, although this problem is reduced in active thermal imaging.^{[citation needed]}
• Accurate temperature measurements are hindered by differing emissivities and reflections from other surfaces^{[citation needed]}
• Most cameras have ±2% accuracy or worse and are not as accurate as contact methods^{[citation needed]}
• Only able to directly detect surface temperatures

Applications

• Condition monitoring
• Medical imaging
• Infrared Mammography
• Veterinary medicine
• Night vision
• Research
• Process control
• Nondestructive testing
• Surveillance in security, law enforcement and defence
• Chemical imaging
• Volcanology

Thermal infrared imagers convert the energy in the infrared wavelength into a visible light video display. All objects above absolute zero emit thermal infrared energy, so thermal imagers can passively see all objects, regardless of ambient light. However, most thermal imagers only see objects warmer than -50°C.

The spectrum and amount of thermal radiation depend strongly on an object’s surface temperature. This makes it possible for a thermal camera to display an object’s temperature. However, other factors also influence the radiation, which limits the accuracy of this technique. For example, the radiation depends not only on the temperature of the object, but is also a function of the emissivity of the object. Also, radiation also originates from the surroundings and is reflected in the object, and the radiation from the object and the reflected radiation will also be influenced by the absorption of the atmosphere.

Review current environment and examine business and technical issues Problem definition and document objectives Proof-of-Concept

Project definition including planning, roles, dependencies, schedule estimate, phases and communication Perform a requirements analysis by working with users and technical staff to document [...]]]> Professional Services Methodology

• Goals and Assessment
• Recommendations
• Planning and Design
• Implementation
• Project Management and Coordination
• Technical Support Services

Goals and Assessment:

Client Stakeholders meeting
Solution Needs and Requirements

Recommendations:

Review current environment and examine business and technical issues
Problem definition and document objectives
Proof-of-Concept

Planning and Design:

Project definition including planning, roles, dependencies, schedule estimate, phases and communication
Perform a requirements analysis by working with users and technical staff to document project requirements, functionality and phasing
Infrastructure
Define an integration application architecture that is flexible and allows for future extensibility
Identify usable components and services
Formulate an integration strategy that leverages existing proven applications, business rules, and data
Prepare a design methodology that is either extreme or agile

Implementation:

Develop project from pilot to staged implementation.
Quality assurance including pilot/user acceptance testing.
Refine solution for production release
Roll out application according to roll out plan
Client Training
Client feedback and sign off

Project Management and Coordination:

Management and coordination will be present for the duration of the engagement

Knowledge Transfer:

Transfer technical knowledge regarding the developed solution to your team members

Technical Support Services:

If desired, provide application and post-implementation and roll-out application support

•Software platform for custom integration and security alert applications – The SOWIS System •300 ft range for target detection • Real-time target tracking • Real-time alerts • Heavy duty mechanical system • Mesh network • Storage archive

Download PDF sheet >

Real-Time Resources • R/T detection of 100 library substance cubes • R/T highlight target tracking • R/T [...]]]> Description

Software Imaging System Including Hyperspectral Camera and Computer Systems

•Software platform for custom integration and security alert applications – The SOWIS System
•300 ft range for target detection
• Real-time target tracking
• Real-time alerts
• Heavy duty mechanical system
• Mesh network
• Storage archive

Download PDF sheet >

Features:

Real-Time Resources
• R/T detection of 100 library substance cubes
• R/T highlight target tracking
• R/T audio alerts
• R/T substance detection from cubes
• R/T data archiving

Co-ordinate Reference
• GPS co-ordinate calc of target
• Map overlay of target activity

Electro-Mechanical
• Vehicle mount system
• Sealed PTZ system
• Scan system for fixed deployment
• Solid state power modules

Sensor Options
• Networked gas detectors
• Radiation monitoring from network detectors

Options
• Heads up display
• Rugged laptops
• Explosion proof housing for LCD

Radio Communications
• MIL-Spec data radio compliant
• Encrypted 802.11, 36, 65m
• VPN channels
• Deployable field router

Technical Discussion

Terrax has various systems and new technology yielding an imaging system consisting of cameras, image processors and a network which collectively yield a hyperspectral real time image capture and decoding system.

The system is a low power, lightweight hyperspectral imaging system with automated image analysis and data optimization for real time target detection and comparison of the hyperspectral data. It is designed to fit within the size, weight, and power envelope of a portable environment as well as fixed locations. It is robust and includes several on-board real time target detection and data optimization algorithms based on a calibration library.

The system uses a combination of low power, high speed processors, solid state disk arrays, and proven hyperspectral band reduction software. The hyperspectral imager is a compact, low-weight asymmetric anamorphic imaging spectrometer covering broad spectral regions available from a specialty manufacturer. The Theia system optimizes the hyperspectral data set so that critical analysis information can be transmitted in near real time across both a secure single channel data link and a redundant mesh network. The complete imaging system is contained in a variety of packages suitable for deployment in a mobile vehicle environment or with the imaging head remote from the processing stack such as a building perimeter security system.

The detection capability and corresponding display varies with the model and the database of cubes representing calibration for specific chemical or material signatures. Detection and determination can reliably work over distances from a few feet to 300 feet. Longer range systems for special compilations are available under special development arrangements.

Hyperspectral imaging collects and processes information from across the electromagnetic spectrum. Unlike the human eye, which just sees visible light, hyperspectral imaging is more like the eyes of the mantis shrimp, which can see visible light as well as from the ultraviolet to infrared. Hyperspectral capabilities enable the mantis shrimp [...]]]>  

Hyperspectral imaging

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hyperspectral imaging collects and processes information from across the electromagnetic spectrum. Unlike the human eye, which just sees visible light, hyperspectral imaging is more like the eyes of the mantis shrimp, which can see visible light as well as from the ultraviolet to infrared. Hyperspectral capabilities enable the mantis shrimp to recognize different types of coral, prey, or predators, all which may appear as the same color to the human eye.

Humans build sensors and processing systems to provide the same type of capability for application in agriculture, mineralogy, physics, and surveillance. Hyperspectral sensors look at objects using a vast portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Certain objects leave unique ‘fingerprints’ across the electromagnetic spectrum. These ‘fingerprints’ are known as spectral signatures and enable identification of the materials that make up a scanned object. For example, having the spectral signature for oil helps mineralogists find new oil fields.

Acquisition and Analysis

Example of a hyperspectral cube

Hyperspectral sensors collect information as a set of ‘images’. Each image represents a range of the electromagnetic spectrum and is also known as a spectral band. These ‘images’ are then combined and form a three dimensional hyperspectral cube for processing and analysis.

Hyperspectral cubes are generated from airborne sensors like the NASA’s Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS), or from satellites like NASA’s Hyperion.^[1] However, for many development and validation studies handheld sensors are used.^[2]

The precision of these sensors is typically measured in spectral resolution, which is the width of each band of the spectrum that is captured. If the scanner picks up on a large number of fairly narrow frequency bands, it is possible to identify objects even if said objects are only captured in a handful of pixels. However, spatial resolution is a factor in addition to spectral resolution. If the pixels are too large, then multiple objects are captured in the same pixel and become difficult to identify. If the pixels are too small, then the energy captured by each sensor-cell is low, and the decreased signal-to-noise ratio reduces the reliability of measured features.

MicroMSI, Opticks and Envi are three remote sensing applications that support the processing and analysis of hyperspectral data. The acquisition and processing of hyperspectral images is also referred to as imaging spectroscopy.

Differences between Hyperspectral and Multispectral

Hyperspectral and Multispectral Differences.

Hyperspectral Imaging is part of a class of techniques commonly referred to as spectral imaging or spectral analysis. Hyperspectral Imaging is related to multispectral imaging. The distinction between hyperspectral and multispectral is usually defined as the number of spectral bands. Multispectral data contains from tens to hundreds of bands. Hyperspectral data contains hundreds to thousands of bands. However, hyperspectral imaging may be best defined by the manner in which the data is collected. Hyperspectral data is a set of contiguous bands (usually by one sensor). Multispectral is a set of optimally chosen spectral bands that are typically not contiguous and can be collected from multiple sensors.

Applications

Hyperspectral remote sensing is used in a wide array of real-life applications. Although originally developed for mining and geology (The ability of hyperspectral imaging to identify various minerals makes it ideal for the mining and oil industries, where it can be used to look for ore and oil^[2][3] it has now spread into fields as wide-spread as ecology and surveillance, as well as historical manuscript research such as the imaging of the Archimedes Palimpsest. This technology is continually becoming more available to the public, and has been used in a wide variety of ways. Organizations such as NASA and the USGS have catalogues of various minerals and their spectral signatures, and have posted them online to make them readily available for researchers.

Agriculture

Although the costs of acquiring hyperspectral images is typically high, for specific crops and in specific climates hyperspectral remote sensing is used more and more for monitoring the development and health of crops. In Australia work is underway to use imaging spectrometers to detect grape variety, and develop an early warning system for disease outbreaks.^[4] Furthermore work is underway to use hyperspectral data to detect the chemical composition of plants^[5] which can be used to detect the nutrient and water status of wheat in irrigated systems^[6]

Mineralogy

The original field of development for hyperspectral remote sensing, hyperspectral sensing of minerals is now well developed. Many minerals can be identified from images, and their relation to the presence of valuable minerals such as gold and diamonds is well understood. Currently the move is towards understanding the relation between oil and gas leakages from pipelines and natural wells; their effect on the vegetation and the spectral signatures. Recent work includes the PhD dissertations of Werff^[7] and Noomen^[8].

Physics

Physicists use an electron microscopy technique that involves microanalysis using either Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), Infrared Spectroscopy(IR), Raman Spectroscopy, or cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy, in which the entire spectrum measured at each point is recorded. EELS hyperspectral imaging is performed in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM); EDS and CL mapping can be performed in STEM as well, or in a scanning electron microscope or electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA). Often, multiple techniques (EDS, EELS, CL) are used simultaneously.

In a “normal” mapping experiment, an image of the sample will be made that is simply the intensity of a particular emission mapped in an XY raster. For example, an EDS map could be made of a steel sample, in which iron x-ray intensity is used for the intensity grayscale of the image. Dark areas in the image would indicate not-iron-bearing impurities. This could potentially give misleading results; if the steel contained tungsten inclusions, for example, the high atomic number of tungsten could result in bremsstrahlung radiation that made the iron-free areas appear to be rich in iron.

By hyperspectral mapping, instead, the entire spectrum at each mapping point is acquired, and a quantitative analysis can be performed by computer post-processing of the data, and a quantitative map of iron content produced. This would show which areas contained no iron, despite the anomalous x-ray counts caused by bremsstrahlung. Because EELS core-loss edges are small signals on top of a large background, hyperspectral imaging allows large improvements to the quality of EELS chemical maps.

Similarly, in CL mapping, small shifts in the peak emission energy could be mapped, which would give information regarding slight chemical composition changes or changes in the stress state of a sample.

Surveillance

Hyperspectral surveillance is the implementation of hyperspectral scanning technology for surveillance purposes. Hyperspectral imaging is particularly useful in military surveillance because of measures that military entities now take to avoid airborne surveillance. Airborne surveillance has been in effect since soldiers used tethered balloons to spy on troops during the American Civil War, and since that time we have learned not only to hide from the naked eye, but to mask our heat signature to blend in to the surroundings and avoid infrared scanning, as well. The idea that drives hyperspectral surveillance is that hyperspectral scanning draws information from such a large portion of the light spectrum that any given object should have unique spectral signature in at least a few of the many bands that get scanned.^[1]

Advantages and Disadvantages

The primary advantages to hyperspectral imaging is that, because an entire spectrum is acquired at each point, the operator needs no a priori knowledge of the sample, and post-processing allows all available information from the dataset to be mined.

The primary disadvantages are cost and complexity. Fast computers, sensitive detectors, and large data storage capacities are needed for analyzing hyperspectral data. Significant data storage capacity is necessary since hyperspectral cubes are large multi-dimensional datasets, potentially exceeding hundreds of megabytes. All of these factors greatly increase the cost of acquiring and processing hyperspectral data. Also, one of the hurdles that researchers have had to face is finding ways to program hyperspectral satellites to sort through data on their own and transmit only the most important images, as both transmission and storage of that much data could prove difficult and costly.^[1] As a relatively new analytical technique, the full potential of hyperspectral imaging has not yet been realized.

◦ DVR recorders ◦ Multi channel video capture ◦ Compression engines – MPG 3, 4

◦ Secure systems ◦ WEP, WAP and wireless systems ◦ Multi channel VPN routers

◦ Tetra/Peta byte archiving systems ◦ Interactive databases

◦ Chip to board level capture ◦ 20-50 FPS

◦ Open source [...]]]> Commercial Systems

Cameras

◦ NTSC, PAL, HD, Digital
◦ Selection of lenses
◦ PTZ options

 Imaging Systems

◦ DVR recorders
◦ Multi channel video capture
◦ Compression engines – MPG 3, 4

Data Networks

◦ Secure systems
◦ WEP, WAP and wireless systems
◦ Multi channel VPN routers

Video Archivers

◦ Tetra/Peta byte archiving systems
◦ Interactive databases

Video Capture

◦ Chip to board level capture
◦ 20-50 FPS

Video Web Servers

◦ Open source video servers
◦ V2F video, Flash
◦ 100 to 1000 stream support
◦ Digital video streams

Security and MIL Spec Systems

Hardened Laptops

◦ High G survivability
◦ Magnesium, titanium enclosures
◦ Carbon fibre enclosures

Hardened Servers

◦ MIL spec CPU
◦ MIL spec SS memory

Hyperspectral Cameras/Systems

◦ 30 to 300 cube systems
◦ Frame rates to 5000 fps

Surveillance/Security Software

◦ Facial recognition software
◦ Facial event tracking
◦ Database comparisons

Secure Network Products

◦ Multilevel encoding
◦ Secure VPN

Material Detection

◦ Image based detection of chemicals