FLIR PT-602CZ Installation Manual page 43

2 Basic Operation and Configuration
On the other hand, the thermal camera
detects energy that is directly
radiated from objects in the scene.
Most objects in typical surroundings
are not hot enough to radiate visible
light, but they easily radiate the type of
infrared energy that the thermal
camera can detect. Even very cold
objects, like ice and snow, radiate this
type of energy.
The camera is capable of sensing very
small temperature differences, and
produces a video image that typically
has dramatic contrast in comparison to
daylight cameras. This high contrast
level from the thermal video enables
intelligent video analytic software to
perform more reliably.
The performance of the camera will likely vary throughout the day. Right after sunset, objects warmed
by the sun will appear warmest. Early in the morning, many of these objects will appear cooler than
their surroundings, so be sure to look for subtle differences in the scene, as opposed to just hot
targets.
The PT-602CZ camera is a state-of-the-art thermal imaging system that will provide excellent night
visibility and situational awareness, without any form of natural or artificial illumination. The system is
easy to use, but it is useful to understand how to interpret what is displayed on the monitor.
While the imagery on the monitor may at first look similar to ordinary black and white daylight video,
experience with the camera in varying conditions and seasons will lead to an appreciation of the
characteristics that make thermal imaging distinct. A few tips on how to interpret some of the imagery
may help to make the most of the system.
The thermal camera does not sense light like conventional cameras; it senses heat or temperature
differences. The camera senses small differences in apparent radiation from the objects in view, and
displays them as either white (or lighter shades of gray) for warmer objects, and black (or darker
shades of gray) for colder objects.
This is why hot objects such as parts on an engines and exhaust pipes appear white, while the sky,
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 the best
contrast in most conditions.
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