Overview of NIST Thermal Imager Project. Appendix 3.J.
Overview of NIST Thermal Imager Project. Appendix 3.J.
(602 K)
Amon, F. K.
NIST SP 1040; NIST Special Publication 1040; June
2005.
Thermal Imaging Research Needs for First Responders:
Workshop Proceedings. APPENDIX 3.J. December 9-10, 2004,
Gaithersburg, MD, 52-54 pp, 2005.
Keywords:
thermal imaging; evaluation; performance metrics; heat
detection; fire fighting; first responders; infrared
camera; focal plane array; performance evaluation; fire
tests; optical performance
Abstract:
Thermal imaging cameras are rapidly becoming integral
equipment for first responders for use in structure
fires. Currently there are no standardized test methods
or performance metrics available to the users or
manufacturers of these instruments. The Building and
Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL) at the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is
developing a testing facility and methods to evaluate
the performance of thermal imagers used by fire fighters
to search for victims and hot spots in burning
structures. The facility is used to test the performance
of currently available imagers and advanced fire
detection systems, as well as serve as a test bed for
new technology. An evaluation of the performance of
different thermal imaging detector technologies under
field conditions has also been performed. Results of
this project will provide a quantifiable physical and
scientific basis upon which industry standards for
imaging performance, testing protocols and reporting
practices related to the performance of thermal imaging
cameras can be developed. The background and approach
that shape the evaluation procedure for the thermal
imagers are the primary focus of this presentation.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899