What is a Thermal Imaging Camera?
With the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, and businesses & schools find themselves in a difficult predicament. The novel Coronavirus continues to be studied, and the latest data suggests that a fever is an early sign of the virus activating within the body. Many NJ companies, schools, and businesses are exploring active measures to monitor and address potential illnesses. One active measure that many New Jersey-based schools & businesses are pursuing is the installation of temperature screening cameras. As a rise in temperature is an early sign of an illness, these cameras are being seen as a potential first line of defense for the spread of infection.
Thermal cameras have been around for some time, dating as far back as 1929, when the technology was first developed for the British Royal Forces. While the technology has mostly remained exclusive to police, fire, and military sectors, thermal imaging has made its way towards everyday citizens that need to address various heat-related problems. The technology has evolved over time, becoming much more accurate and even portable.
How Thermal Imaging Cameras Work
Temperature Screening works by measuring the heat dispersed off a given subject and translates the heat into an electrical signal that can then be displayed in degrees. Thermal cameras have the capacity to measure how hot or cool a person is, but also calculate the exact temperature into digits. Earlier examples used color to indicate heat. The higher the temperature, the brighter the color is displayed. Today, thermal cameras can tell a user the exact temperature of a human in real-time.
Thermal cameras have been used before in other outbreaks, especially during the alarming Ebola outbreak of 2014. However, these smaller outbreaks have been localized to smaller, more remote areas. The global nature of COVID-19 has skyrocketed the demand for thermal cameras. Every major business is installing them, from large-reaching mounted cameras to portable devices that can accurately scan an individual. The sales of thermal cameras are booming and becoming more common.
“While the technology can only sense heat and not the virus—a fever is a typical ~though inconsistent~ symptom of Covid-19—that hasn’t slowed down sales. Early reports project the global thermal scanner market to grow by nearly $2 billion in the next four years. Leading manufacturers such as FLIR Systems, which counts the U.S. Army, Amazon, Wynn Resorts, and General Motors as clients, have already gotten a boost; its shares popped 31% in the last month. ” (Forbes)
Temperature Screening to Combat Coronavirus in NJ
Using a thermal camera can become the first line of defense for a business or school. Additionally, a camera can emit an alarm, should a person be exhibiting higher-than-normal temperature, prompting action for additional screening. For schools, this is an excellent method to deter the spread of illness.
It must be emphasized that a thermal camera will not completely halt the spread of COVID-19. A thermal camera acts as a proactive measure that will work best alongside social distancing guidelines, and sanitation procedures. The contagious threat of COVID-19 still exists, but the aforementioned procedures will assist in providing early care. Additionally, the person using the thermal camera will have to be trained and aware of what to look for, especially if a potentially infected person is discovered. Chris Bainter of FLIR Systems elaborates on the responsible use of thermal camera systems. (Wired)
“A thermal camera will produce an alluring image of whatever you point it at, color-coded to show the temperature of different objects. But it can’t screen people accurately if they are not properly framed and in focus, Bainter says. FLIR advises that the best readings are obtained from a person’s tear ducts, the inside corner of the eyes, an area well-supplied with blood, and less likely than the forehead to be made warm by a hat, hood, or sunlight.”
Installing Temperature Screening CCTV Cameras for Your Health
Central Jersey Security Cameras installs several thermal imaging systems for businesses looking to keep their guests and staff safe. Our Thermal Cameras can identify the temperature of multiple subjects and sound an alarm when a high temperature is detected. A portable thermal imaging system allows for a versatile platform and the thermal kiosk checks incoming persons venturing indoors. Central Jersey Security Cameras staff is fully prepared and eager to help New Jersey businesses return strong and enter the “new normal” safely & securely. Installing thermal imaging cameras is the first step that a business expecting high foot traffic should take.
For more information, call our office today at 732-333-0227 or visit www.centraljerseysecuritycameras.com
