Thermal imaging has found its way to various applications in today’s world. Its importance is not only felt in the present but its use is widely anticipated in the future for industrial applications like firefighting, medicine and military.
When it comes to firefighting, research is being carried out in order to develop small thermal cameras that can be easily stored in a firefighter’s uniform and that does not stand in the way of rescue operations carried out by them. An idea of designing an infrared imaging device integrated with the firefighter’s breathing apparatus is also being estimated that enables them to see an image in front of their eyes.
Use of thermal imaging in detection of cancer and tumors is widely known. Thermal imaging is now entering deeper into the field of preventive medicine by ideas emerging about the sophisticated applications of thermal cameras to detect illnesses in the eye that were previously undetectable.
To enhance visibility in all kinds of weather conditions, engineers intend to make low-cost infrared imaging technology integrated with handheld devices and smart phones to develop thermal cameras that work on 8-12 spectral bands.
Not only in these, but thermal cameras in future could witness smaller, lighter and cheap infrared digital cameras that can be mounted on aircrafts and vehicles. Upgraded infrared imagers such as TI 50 can also be used in industries like automobile, marine photography and predictive maintenance.
Infrared imaging may not be a masterpiece as of now but is on the road of development and soon going to be one.