How Thermal Cameras Can Enhance Your Surveillance Solution?

Thermal imaging cameras are used in a variety of applications where accurate inspection is critical. From perimeter protection and detecting changes in ambient temperature to patient monitoring to ensuring safe operation of equipment and more.

Thermal cameras are growing in popularity due to their ability to detect potential threats and reduce false positives while respecting privacy, saving time and money, and ultimately lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO). Due to their long detection range, thermal cameras reduce the need for numerous cameras, as even a few of them can cover the entire property. In addition, the processing power of these cameras has been enhanced to support powerful analysis. In this article, we'll look at how thermal cameras can improve security systems and give some examples of how they can be used in practice.

Thermal imaging cameras capture images based solely on the heat radiated by people and objects. This means they are able to clearly see the outlines of potential threats no matter how poor the visibility is; they are just as accurate without light and camouflage as they are on a bright sunny day. This is especially important in hazardous, remote areas where there may be no lights at night - whether outdoors or indoors.

When combined with analytics, thermal cameras can examine detected potential threats, automatically eliminate non-threatening threats, and immediately notify security of potentially critical situations. For example, a thermal camera can spot objects moving toward a perimeter or restricted area. It can then tell whether it's a non-threatening situation, such as an animal passing by, or something that needs attention, such as a car or a person. If it's the latter, a guard can be sent in to investigate further, and without a threat, no progress will be made. This saves a lot of time, resources, and overall costs associated with investigating false positives.

This is especially handy if you have to protect a huge perimeter that is difficult for guards to monitor. Thermal cameras can effectively detect intruders through functions such as line-crossing detection in certain areas, motion detection, or loitering detection. Fewer false positives mean security teams can focus on specific incidents. If unauthorized personnel get too close to the perimeter, an alarm or audible deterrent is triggered. Weather or lighting conditions are no longer a factor as thermal imaging cameras provide clear results in many environments.

In addition to being able to see in all light conditions, thermal cameras are ideal for covering wide perimeters and long distances, areas where manning is impractical, or even impossible, thanks to the ability to integrate with analytics software to reduce false positives The area is guarded.

By using thermal IP cameras with video analytics and integrated with audio solutions, the factory perimeter can be effectively monitored and protected day and night, regardless of weather and lighting conditions. In the future, customers will look to deploy thermal cameras at other plants to replicate the effectiveness of this solution.

Perimeter protection with thermal cameras is not limited to industrial properties. In South Africa's Limpopo province, the Rhino Pride Foundation Sanctuary faces similar problems as it tries to secure a natural, free-roaming habitat for endangered rhinos. The sanctuary looks after more than 40 animals at any given time and has invested in security measures such as double fencing and 24/7 security patrols with dogs to prevent poaching.

However, due to the sheer size of the reserve's boundaries and its mountainous and isolated terrain, the large perimeter proved difficult to secure. To counter this, an advanced security system based on thermal cameras combined with video analytics and audio speakers was installed, powered by solar panels with battery backup. This combined solution helps deter would-be intruders, acts as a first line of defense and ensures rangers are always one step ahead of any poachers.

Another benefit of thermal cameras in today's privacy-conscious society is that they do not provide images that allow reliable personal identification, such as specific facial features. This is especially useful for privacy regulations, as it ensures organizations are securely in compliance without missing potential threats.

As the name suggests, temperature alarm cameras are especially useful for sensing heat and monitoring temperature-critical areas. This is especially important for data centers and medical storage facilities. Cameras can add thermal information to images, making it possible to monitor processes and detect abnormal behavior as temperatures change, for example, to find heat leaks in buildings or to detect anomalies in industrial applications, such as overheating machinery or motors.

An example of a business-critical use is in a server room to ensure all equipment is running at an optimal temperature and not overheating. Likewise, through analytics, overheating servers can be identified and alerts sent to the IT department so that problems can be addressed before they escalate, potentially preventing system downtime and the associated losses if a company experiences IT problems.

While thermal imaging cameras can be used to overcome challenges in certain scenarios, it must be noted that in some cases thermal imaging cameras will be less effective, especially as a stand-alone solution. For example, dense fog and heavy snow can cause problems, even for thermal cameras.

Because thermal imaging cameras detect objects based on radiant heat, you may experience problems when the surrounding environment or background is the same temperature as the object in the image. For example, on a very hot day, a thermal camera may not be able to distinguish an object from its surroundings. In these cases, vision cameras are needed to recognize objects.

We have highlighted a few examples of how thermal cameras are being used in practice, but their security applications range from perimeter protection around industrial sites, nature reserves, airports, and power plants.

In specific cases, thermal cameras can provide more reliable detection and shape recognition than visual cameras to increase effective surveillance, reduce false positives and avoid unnecessary responses by combining high image contrast with motion detection. If you want to buy a thermal imaging camera or want to know more about thermal imaging cameras, please contact us.

As an infrared thermal imaging systems manufacturer with many years of experience, JAVOL has a wide range of application fields. We enjoy a good reputation in the industry with high-quality products and considerate service attitude. We have a professional production team and a strict quality inspection system, which can fully control the quality of our products. The company designs, develops and manufactures advanced imaging products and system solutions, which are widely used in machine vision, autonomous driving, drone payloads, high-end manufacturing, medical diagnosis and other fields.