Thermography

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Thermography

• Thermal imaging installations for the Metcalf
  Science Center

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IntroductionBasic GoalTo enhance perception
of the physical world by way of infrared
imaging.By demonstrating the use and utility of
detectors in the scientific community, we may
help students understand a fundamental process by
which we perceive our environment.
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What is Infrared?

• All matter (gases, planets, etc) emits some
  amount of electromagnetic radiation across a
  range of energies (or wavelengths).
• Infrared refers to the portion of the
  electromagnetic spectrum where biological
  life-forms emit the most light, at wavelengths
  slightly longer than what we perceive as the
  color red.

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Why Dont We See It?

• Put simply, our eyes do not have the elements
  necessary for detecting infrared. While there
  are practical evolutionary reasons for this,
  infrared is a reality that exists behind the
  scenes.

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Everyday Infrared

• We may not be able to see infrared, but we can
  still sense it through what is commonly called
  heat. Physical touch is the most direct way of
  observing it. You sense it on a hot day under
  the sun, or when someone walks between you and a
  campfire.

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With FLIRs ThermaCAM B1, we can capture running
video of the infrared spectrum in the everyday.
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Some properties of the ThermaCAM B1 Thermal
Sensitivity 0.12C Min/Max Auto Adjust
Continuous or Manual Range -20 to 50C (-4 to
155F) Spectral Range 7.5 - 13 ?m Lens standard
24 or wide angle 45 Additional
Features Video Output NTSC/Standard
RCA Available Palettes Iron, High Contrast
Rainbow, B/W, B/W inverted On board 1mW 635nm
laser enables long-range precision temperature
measurements.
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Using the ThermaCAM B1 infrared camera, we
conducted a series of experiments. The following
images are just a small indication of what is
possible using this technology. Shown here are
some examples of reflection off computer
monitors, doors, and pennies.
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Heat Signatures and Sausages
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Hot Cold Water, Vascular Tree
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Our Proposal Personal, Dynamic Illumination for
the Cafeteria by Back-Projecting Infrared
Emissions
Construction 1. Mount an infrared camera
above the cafeteria, monitoring the
movement of faculty, staff, and
students. 2. Link the camera to a projector,
also stationed above the cafeteria, which
will then project infrared images of
individuals back onto the people
themselves.
Effect Those eating and studying in the
cafeteria will have a personal lamp illuminating
their individual space - a dynamic, interactive
light source that corresponds to their own
infrared emissions.
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A Diagram of the Intended Result
From Above Students in the cafeteria
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A Diagram of the Intended Result
From Above Students in the cafeteria
illuminated by their own infrared emissions.
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What will the camera see?
These raw images were captured with an infrared
camera stationed on the fourth floor. Notice
the heat signatures on cafeteria seats after the
students have left. Using our projection system,
those areas would remain lit until the heat
dissipates if you were to leave your seat to get
a drink, you would come back to find your own
heat signature, still lit.
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Projector Placement
When the infrared images are projected onto the
cafeteria, we can control the size, localization,
and intensity of the individual infrared lamps -
by adjusting the focus and contrast on the camera
or by changing the height of the projector.
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A Simulation of the Desired Effect
Here is an attempt to visualize the actual
outcome each student enjoys a pleasant white
light, the projected thermal video supplementing
existing light sources. If so desired, an
alternate color palette could be employed.
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An Alternative Approach The same set-up could
easily be used to project thermal video onto the
ceiling, creating an infrared mirror for those
peering up. This approach may be less invasive,
but it may also be less engaging.
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Additional Suggestions
A. Infrared Passage Ways Construction 1. Mount
an Infrared camera across from one of the
corridor windows. 2. Link the camera to a viewing
screen, stationed on the exterior corridor wall
that looks onto the cafeteria atrium.
Effect As students and faculty pass through the
corridor space, their infrared emissions will
appear visible in the viewing screen, creating
ghost-like apparitions. A series of infrared
mirrors could also be in place behind the wall to
give the impression of infrared transparency.
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Additional Suggestions
B. General Viewing Screens Construction Link
the existing camera mounted above the cafeteria
to a viewing screen stationed elsewhere in the
building. Effect Viewers will be met with a
visually abstract representation of the everyday
cafeteria scene, which will stimulate curiosity
groupings of students, as they come and go, form
unique and evocative patterns of light.
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The portable infrared camera affords flexibility
in addition to these proposals, we would
encourage further investigation and demonstration
(i.e. a camera could be placed above the front
entrance). Ultimately, the use of infrared
cameras in the Metcalf Science Center will
personally engage the students, faculty, and
staff each will have the opportunity to see the
invisible effects of a human body in its
environment, moreover each will see that this
phenomena is universal, common to everyone.
Upon experiencing our installation, we would
hope that students feel a greater connection to
the building and its human inhabitants, with the
understanding that this connection is
intrinsically linked to their studies. As
each human form is rendered in its own light, we
begin to visualize and contemplate the ephemeral
nature of man. The installation will provoke the
imagination, prompting the students to wonder
Of all the traces we leave behind, how many will
remain? How many will endure?
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Costs
Estimated Camera Price (depends on camera type)
10,000.00 Digital Projector 1,299.99 OR
30 Flat Panel Display (1,174.95) Parts and
Installing 500.00 Total Cost 11,799.99
(or 11,674.95)
The costs reflect a maximum price. Less
expensive, used cameras are also available.
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Our thanks to the following individuals for their
resources and support Jason St. John, former
Physics Demo Room Coordinator Christian Murphy,
current Physics Demo Room Coordinator Claudio
Rebbi, Professor of Physics Tom OToole of FLIR
systems