Shenzhen Sunell Technology Corporation
Shenzhen Sunell Technology Corporation

Working Principle of Thermal Imaging Video Camera and Its Application in Forest Fire Prevention

The working principle of thermal imaging video camera


Natural light is composed of light waves of different wavelengths, with the visible range for the human eye being roughly 390-780nm. Electromagnetic waves shorter than 390nm and longer than 780nm cannot be sensed by the human eye. The electromagnetic waves with wavelengths less than 390nm are outside the visible light spectrum in purple and are called ultraviolet rays. The electromagnetic waves longer than 780nm are outside the visible light spectrum in red and are called infrared rays, with a band ranging from 780nm to 1mm.


Infrared rays are electromagnetic waves with wavelengths between microwaves and visible light with the same nature as radio waves and visible light. In nature, all objects with temperatures higher than absolute zero constantly emit infrared rays, which is called thermal radiation. The technology of thermal imaging video camera uses a micro-thermal radiation detector, optical imaging lens, and optical scanning system to receive the infrared radiation signal of the measured target. The focused infrared radiation energy distribution is reflected on the photosensitive element of the infrared detector through spectral filtering and spatial filtering. Thus, the thermal image of the measured object is scanned and focused on a unit or spectral detector. The detector converts the infrared radiation energy into an electrical signal, which is amplified and then converted into a standard video signal, displaying the thermal image on a television screen or monitor.


The application of thermal imaging video camera in forest fire prevention


  • Forest fire monitoring Thermal imaging cameras conduct all-weather, long-distance, and wide-range real-time monitoring, accurately detecting fire incidents and sounding alarms, providing fast and effective guidance for fire suppression operations.


  • Penetrating smoke scene rescue and firefighting assistance to reduce losses. After a fire occurs, especially in the case of forest fires, the smoke from the flames can be very thick and often conceals the true ignition point and the spread of the fire. Thermal imaging cameras have strong smoke penetration ability and can effectively detect the true ignition point, quickly search for trapped persons and animals.


  • Monitoring residual fires. Even after a large fire has been extinguished, there may still exist sporadic fire sources or even very concealed underground fires. These hidden fires are difficult to detect with the human eye or visible light cameras, but the thermal imaging video camera can quickly and accurately identify potential threats.


  • Forest scenic area monitoring. Thermal imaging cameras are used for fire prevention monitoring of cultural relics, buildings, and overall environmental protection in scenic areas, including the monitoring of smoking or other ignition behaviors of tourists and staff within the scenic area.


  • Patrol law enforcement. By using the thermal imaging video camera to monitor human-caused fires, theft, illegal hunting, illegal logging, illegal land reclamation, and illegal mining of sand, soil, and rocks, distant targets can be quickly discovered in the dark.