A series of simple but effective experiments

 

Rationale

Standardisation is important for reliable use of infrared thermal imaging in medicine. Infrared camera systems are now of higher performance with improved reliability, which can lead the operator to assume that the system is continually giving optimal performance. This, however, is not the case. Using a series of simple experiments a thermographer is able to monitor imager performance in order to maintain confidence in the measurements made.

NOTE: The tests proposed here are not intended to replace those performed by manufacturers or calibration laboratories, but can provide valuable information on both short and long-term camera performance.

Experiments

  1. Offset Drift After Switching On
  2. Long-term Offset Drift
  3. Offset Variation over Observed Range
  4. Image Non-Uniformity
  5. Thermal 'Flooding'
  6. Spatial Resolution
  7. Thermal Resolution

All the above tests are summarised and explained in detail in this PowerPoint Presentation (1.5 MB)