427-0042-00-10 Revision 130 Copyright © 2011 FLIR Systems, Inc.
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While the imagery you will see on the monitor may at first look similar to ordinary black and
white daylight video, as you get familiar with the camera you will appreciate the characteristics
that make thermal imaging distinct. A few tips on how to interpret some of the imagery will help
you to make the most of your system.
The thermal imager inside the camera does not sense light like conventional cameras; it senses
heat or temperature differences. As you experiment with the system during daylight and
nighttime operation, you will notice differences in the picture quality; this is normal. The camera
senses small “differences” in apparent radiation from the objects in view, and, in
white hot
mode, displays them as either white (or lighter shades of gray) for warmer objects, and black (or
darker shades of gray) for colder objects.
Your thermal imaging camera relies on the fact that all objects, even very cold objects like ice,
emit thermal energy in the portion of the infrared spectrum that this camera can “see”, the long
wave infrared (LWIR). Therefore, unlike an illuminated infrared camera, a thermal imaging
camera does not need an additional active illumination source and images based on directly
radiated rather than reflected energy.
This is why you will see hot objects such as exhaust stacks or vehicle engines that appear white
(or black, or red depending on the video image mode selected), while the puddles of water and
other cold objects appear dark (or cool). Scenes with familiar objects will be easy to interpret
with some experience. The camera automatically optimizes the image to provide you with the
best contrast in most conditions.
FLIR Systems, Inc. offers a comprehensive selection of training courses to help you to get the
best performance and value from your thermal imaging camera. You can find out more at the
FLIR training web page:
http://www.flir.com/training
.
5.3 Configuration and Control
Through a serial communications interface, there are various settings available to the user in
order to optimize image quality for particular applications. These settings are accessible using a
standard serial cable (refer to the appropriate installation section for cable pin outs). Note: The
SR-Series cameras come pre-configured for RS-232 communication from the factory by default
and the installer may change the communications to RS-422 via a DIP switch.
The SR-Series may be controlled by a PC running a Windows-based software application
known as the FLIR Camera Controller GUI
2
. For information on how to use the software, refer to
the user guide included with the software. The software user manual and software updates are
also available from the FLIR web site:
http://www.flir.com/cvs/cores/resources/
5.4 Flat Field Correction (FFC)
Periodically the image will momentarily freeze for a fraction of a second while the camera
performs a flat field correction. A shutter activates inside the camera and provides a target of
uniform temperature, allowing the camera to correct for ambient temperature changes and
provide the best possible image. Through the software user interface, the frequency of the FFC
can be modified and the FFC warning indication can be disabled.
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Also known as the Tau GUI
