The IR236 imaging system from Armstrong Optical is currently playing a part in the detection of swine fever sufferers at several major international airports across the globe.
It incorporates an uncooled thermal imaging detector alongside a high-resolution visible camera.
The system is suitable for placement anywhere that flowing crowds of people are present, including airport arrivals, shopping arcades, sporting events, hotels and railway stations.
By analysing the temperature profiles of any person in the field of view, the IR236 is able to automatically detect anyone with a temperature higher than normal.
The 'hottest' region in the field of view is automatically highlighted, and can be set to alarm when the object temperature goes beyond a predefined value, warning the remotely-placed security staff of an unusual event.
Images from the built-in high-resolution visible camera aid in the easy identification and tracking of the fever sufferer, allowing their interception.
The IR236 can operate in a fully automated, remote fashion and, being a passive imaging system, allows use without causing alarm or stress to those being scanned.
The operator of the system can be sited well away from the inspection area or even be placed in a sealed environment.
The lens systems on the thermal and visible imagers are optimised to identify and track at a range of up to 100m, meaning that possible fever sufferers can be identified early and removed from crowded regions.
