As covid 19 spreads all over the world and constrains the world’s economies to shut down. Governments and companies are rushing to acquire thermal imaging cameras to set up fever detection.
Flir a specialist in thermal cameras announced global demand for its infrared cameras soared. So we likely to see these cameras at airports. At the entrances of shops or administrations to screen people in attempt to protect contracting the coronavirus.
Can we really rely on thermal imaging cameras to protect us from the covid 19 ?
First off all. Specialists say that coronavirus produces fevers after a person infected for days. And studies showed that a lot of infected people are asymptomatic.
Secondly. Thermal imaging cameras measure skin temperature not internal temperature. And they are not very precise for scanning crowds temperature. Therefore, as conclusion, thermal cameras just provide a false sense of security.
How thermal imaging cameras work?
A thermal camera is a camera with heat sensor. It is capable of detecting tiny differences in temperature. As every object emits infrared radiations which is heat. The thermal camera collects images based on a difference between these radiations. The heat detector then creates a temperature pattern that we call a thermogram combined with the image.
Thermal cameras usage
They are used in surveillance during night. So Fire fighters use them to see through smoke. They are also used in buildings to detect heat leaks to improve heating or cooling systems.
