IR a reality or "cool tool" qualitative vs. quantitative thermal data

[FlyaDrone]

Qualitative versus quantitative IR thermal data?

A qualitative IR camera is one that makes a comparative analysis of different thermal energy sources which is being displayed on the screen.

A quantitative IR camera is one that provides a specific temperature rating assigned to each pixel on the sensor which is then displayed on the screen.

These quantitative IR cameras are calibrated and designed to correspond to a specific temperature range when built and tuned at the factory prior to delivery. If your customer requires specific temperature data to be provided with their inspections then you will need to pay big bucks for this type of sensor package. In addition you will be required to fly your missions closer to the objects being inspected due to the physics of emissivity as it relates to thermal energy being read by the IR camera.

A more sophisticated customer who requires specificity and accuracy in the inspection report they are paying you to provide, will most often require you to show them your Thermography training certificate. This certificate demonstrates to them that you have been properly trained to professionally operate and setup the camera relative to physical and environmental circumstances so as to produce meaningful results with your IR camera device. In addition this level of customer will also know that your camera will have a calibration certificate and these certificates usually are good for a year.

Calibration of a quantitative IR camera requires a sophisticated test environment and highly trained engineers to perform this task. IR calibration services are most often a return to manufacturer situation and can cost around $1,000 or more.

Try a web search of the following phrase for much more information "IR camera qualitative versus quantitative"

The information in this thread is provided for anyone who is targeting customers who actually need qualitative IR thermal measurements obtained with your UAV. There is a big difference in flying a drone performing leaky roof inspections with a qualitative IR camera versus a customer who is requiring you to get up close to high voltage electrical power distribution systems and provide accurate temperature measurements for him on live equipment.

So if FLIR is working with Yuneec to provide a higher level of capability in the IR thermal camera options for the H520, then be prepared to realize what impact that will bring to your organization in terms of training and operational budget considerations.

 

[PatR]

As things currently stand, the image quality used for most low end multirotor cameras is abysmal, at least 12 year old technology, constructed of components left over after the military banned further use due to lack of image definition.

 

[Tuna]

As with any form of sensor data - visual, thermographic, near-infrared and electromagnetic - it is good business sense to find the client (or use case) first and work out how much the budget is for gathering your data (filming, taking photographs or readings).

Yes, accurate thermographic information is more complex to acquire, and more expensive. That doesn't mean it automatically has more value.

There is no point in investing in expensive equipment and then searching for a client to justify that cost. Find the clients first and then check that the money they're willing to spend is more than the cost of getting the data they want. If it is, then the fact that thermographic data is 'not cheap' doesn't matter - regardless of whether it's qualitative or quantitative (ie. using a radiometric device - the 'R' spec in Flir devices). If they can't afford the cost of capture, you can discuss whether cheaper data will still work for them. Many clients start off wanting 'everything', but quickly realise that a lot of inspections don't need precise measurement, just relative values sufficient to identify problems or opportunities.

 

[FlyaDrone]

100% agreement with both of these posts. I just wished to let those of our forum members with little IR technology experience know that there is more to IR camera technology than buying a cool camera to look at IR images. Interestingly enough this IR imaging application is a red hot (no pun intended) market now in predator control Essentially IR thermal rifle scope and suppressor equipped weapons used for night time hog eradication and control. Especially in Texas!

My opinion is that the SAR mission with FAA nightime flight waivers will become more and more prevalent as our automated flight capabilities are becoming more sophisticated. I would anticipate that one or more SAR teams will soon be allowed to operate in a National Park boundary for rescue missions versus recovery missions.

 

[Tuna]

I'm interested in the SAR aspect as I very much enjoy skiing and could imagine it having a place in ski resorts and the wider region. The issue is proving the use case and establishing flight practises in what can be quite congested public areas.

 

[FlyaDrone]

I too believe in the useful application of drones with IR capability at ski resorts. That scenario would bring some unique challenges, battery heating prior to and or during use like M200, decreased lift due to high altitude issues come to mind also. The less dense air at high altitude would decrease efficiency plus payload weight reductions and reduce flight times.

Ideally more backcountry skiers would be able to afford emergency satellite tracking devices. I am not sure the current capabilities of these devices for instance if you were smothered in an avalanche and injured or packed into the snow. Could this device automatically generate a signal if you could not reach the device with your hand or hands? Ski patrol and the ski area management is infinitely aware of their territory within normal boundary areas.