subject: How Cameras And Imaging Systems Are Used In Industry [print this page] The increase in industrial products during the middle of the 1800's led naturally to an increase in the photography field as many companies wanted and needed photographs of their products for sales, archival and patent protection purposes. The earliest use of the photography was centered on the industrial plant buildings and workforce that ran them. In some cases, the photographs were staged to preserve a traditional way of life such as the coal mining in certain parts of the world. The dangers of using flash photography underground were dangerous as it could set off an explosion if the methane levels were high enough in the area being photographed.
The higher technological advances with equipment, film and flashes made it possible to use cameras in greater detail of the manufacturing process. This led to an increase in the imaging advances in security and greater efficiency in engineering of many different kinds of materials. This included seals used in hydraulics via the digital imaging computer and printing of technical data for manuals and instructional booklets for industrial use.
Cameras themselves have been engineered to take advantage of the linear technology by being used for all kinds of imaging from the bar scanners at the supermarket to the positioning and orienteering required for the positioning of cameras in harsh environments such as on the space station or a satellite.
The linear technology and high tech seals are often combined with the latest in digital or thermal technology in cameras. This leads to greater use of the cameras in all phases of the engineering process and is used in the industrial processes of manufacturing. With such imaging technology available, the principles and nature of previously unexplored areas of science can be examined and manufacturing processes improved upon in the research laboratory.
The field of imaging covers several different applications from the technical process in engineering to the biomedical imaging of the human body- for example in X rays, MRI's and CT scans.
Thermal imaging is also used in the diagnosis of abnormal growths in the human body in areas where it is unsafe to use other means. The linear imaging that is used to see the microscopic slides of a portion of the brain, for example illustrate the importance of this tool as a non invasive application of both linear engineering and imagery.
Other applications of imagery, both ordinary and thermal are of course the detection of flaws in products before they are manufactured, saving both time and money. However, the application most people think of when regarding thermal imagery is the military low light devices that soldiers use in the field. These enable imaging of objects in low light conditions by using the thermal energy they emit; the brighter the image, the higher in temperature the person or object is.
Security devices also use low light or specialized light cameras or other sensors to keep unwanted intruders from certain areas, like secure military installations. Another application to the low image technology is the imaging of areas at night, because this gives detailed information as to the environmental details needed for movement, if required. Photographers also use the low light technology to video and photograph the lifestyle of nocturnal animals for example: the big game animals in the African savannah.
Practical applications of thermal cameras are those used in firefighting; specifically the hand held products. These are engineered for firefighters to use in the field and they usually have an IP rating of 67, with a display of at least 3.5 inches. The added Kevlar coating on these particucular products can be added this coating can withstand over 600 degrees Celsius.
Thermal cameras are often used in the mechanical engineering field, to inspect the wear and tear on the machinery inside the motors. The thermal readings can indicate the uneven wear on bearings which could lead to a short in the insulation and require the complete replacement of the motor; by using the camera, the data gathered over time results in greater safety and increased productivity, because repairs can be made before the equipment breaks down completely.
