FLIR Tools/Tools+‎

User’s manual

FLIR Tools/Tools+‎

6.4

1 Legal disclaimer

1.1 Legal disclaimer

All products manufactured by FLIR Systems are warranted against defective materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the delivery date of the original purchase, provided such products have been under normal storage, use and service, and in accordance with FLIR Systems instruction.

Products which are not manufactured by FLIR Systems but included in systems delivered by FLIR Systems to the original purchaser, carry the warranty, if any, of the particular supplier only. FLIR Systems has no responsibility whatsoever for such products.

The warranty extends only to the original purchaser and is not transferable. It is not applicable to any product which has been subjected to misuse, neglect, accident or abnormal conditions of operation. Expendable parts are excluded from the warranty.

In the case of a defect in a product covered by this warranty the product must not be further used in order to prevent additional damage. The purchaser shall promptly report any defect to FLIR Systems or this warranty will not apply.

FLIR Systems will, at its option, repair or replace any such defective product free of charge if, upon inspection, it proves to be defective in material or workmanship and provided that it is returned to FLIR Systems within the said one-year period.

FLIR Systems has no other obligation or liability for defects than those set forth above.

No other warranty is expressed or implied. FLIR Systems specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

FLIR Systems shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential loss or damage, whether based on contract, tort or any other legal theory.

This warranty shall be governed by Swedish law.

Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or in connection with this warranty, shall be finally settled by arbitration in accordance with the Rules of the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce. The place of arbitration shall be Stockholm. The language to be used in the arbitral proceedings shall be English.

1.2 Usage statistics

FLIR Systems reserves the right to gather anonymous usage statistics to help maintain and improve the quality of our software and services.

1.3 Changes to registry

The registry entry HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa\LmCompatibilityLevel will be automatically changed to level 2 if the FLIR Camera Monitor service detects a FLIR camera connected to the computer with a USB cable. The modification will only be executed if the camera device implements a remote network service that supports network logons.

1.4 Copyright

© 2018, FLIR Systems, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. No parts of the software including source code may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed or translated into any language or computer language in any form or by any means, electronic, magnetic, optical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of FLIR Systems.

The documentation must not, in whole or part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or transmitted to any electronic medium or machine readable form without prior consent, in writing, from FLIR Systems.

Names and marks appearing on the products herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of FLIR Systems and/or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, trade names or company names referenced herein are used for identification only and are the property of their respective owners.

1.5 Quality assurance

The Quality Management System under which these products are developed and manufactured has been certified in accordance with the ISO 9001 standard.

FLIR Systems is committed to a policy of continuous development; therefore we reserve the right to make changes and improvements on any of the products without prior notice.

2 Notice to user

2.1 User-to-user forums

Exchange ideas, problems, and infrared solutions with fellow thermographers around the world in our user-to-user forums. To go to the forums, visit:

http://forum.infraredtraining.com/

2.2 Training

To read about infrared training, visit:

2.3 Documentation updates

Our manuals are updated several times per year, and we also issue product-critical notifications of changes on a regular basis.

To access the latest manuals, translations of manuals, and notifications, go to the Download tab at:

It only takes a few minutes to register online. In the download area you will also find the latest releases of manuals for our other products, as well as manuals for our historical and obsolete products.

2.4 Software updates

FLIR Systems regularly issues software updates and you can update the software using this update service. Depending on your software, this update service is located at one or both of the following locations:

Start > FLIR Systems > [Software] > Check for updates.
Help > Check for updates.

2.5 Important note about this manual

FLIR Systems issues generic manuals that cover several software variants within a software suite.

This means that this manual may contain descriptions and explanations that do not apply to your software variant.

2.6 Additional license information

For each purchased software license, the software may be installed, activated, and used on two devices, e.g., one laptop computer for on-site data acquisition, and one desktop computer for analysis in the office.

3 Customer help

3.1 General

For customer help, visit:

3.2 Submitting a question

To submit a question to the customer help team, you must be a registered user. It only takes a few minutes to register online. If you only want to search the knowledgebase for existing questions and answers, you do not need to be a registered user.

When you want to submit a question, make sure that you have the following information to hand:

The camera model
The camera serial number
The communication protocol, or method, between the camera and your device (for example, SD card reader, HDMI, Ethernet, USB, or FireWire)
Device type (PC/Mac/iPhone/iPad/Android device, etc.)
Version of any programs from FLIR Systems
Full name, publication number, and revision number of the manual

3.3 Downloads

On the customer help site you can also download the following, when applicable for the product:

Firmware updates for your infrared camera.
Program updates for your PC/Mac software.
Freeware and evaluation versions of PC/Mac software.
User documentation for current, obsolete, and historical products.
Mechanical drawings (in *.dxf and *.pdf format).
Cad data models (in *.stp format).
Application stories.
Technical datasheets.
Product catalogs.

4 Introduction

FLIR Tools/Tools+ is a software suite specifically designed to provide an easy way to update your camera and create inspection reports.

Examples of what you can do in FLIR Tools/Tools+ include the following:

Import images from your camera to your computer.
Apply filters when searching for images.
Lay out, move, and resize measurement tools on any infrared image.
Group and ungroup files.
Create panoramas by stitching several smaller images into a larger one.
Create PDF imagesheets of any images of your choice.
Add headers, footers, and logos to imagesheets.
Create PDF/Microsoft Word reports for images of your choice.
Add headers, footers, and logos to reports.
Update your camera with the latest firmware.

4.1 Comparison between FLIR Tools‎ and FLIR Tools+‎

This table explains the difference between FLIR Tools and FLIR Tools+.

Feature/function	FLIR Tools	FLIR Tools+
Import images using USB.	X	X
Create infrared/digital photo image groups manually.	X	X
Measure temperatures using spots, areas, lines, and isotherms.	X	X
Measure a temperature difference.	X	X
Adjust object parameters.	X	X
View a live image.	X	X
Save infrared *.jpg files from a live image.	X	X
Record a video sequence (*.seq).		X
Record a video sequence (*.csq).		X
Replay a recorded sequence.	X	X
Export a recorded sequence to *.avi.	X	X
Create a temporal plot.	X	X
Export plot data to Microsoft Excel.	X	X
Export an image to *.csv format.	X	X
Create a panorama image.		X
Create a PDF report.	X	X
Create a non-radiometric Microsoft Word report		X
Create a radiometric Microsoft Word report		X
Create text annotation templates for the camera.	X	X
Add/edit text annotations and image descriptions.	X	X
Listen to voice comments on infrared images.	X	X

A new FLIR Word Add-in was introduced in FLIR Tools/Tools+ version 6.0. The FLIR Word Add-in adds a number of commands that are specific to the area of infrared imaging and reporting in the Microsoft Word environment. For legacy FLIR Word Add-in information, refer to the manual for FLIR Tools/Tools+ version 5.12 (publication number: T810199).

5 Installation

5.1 System requirements

5.1.1 Operating system

FLIR Tools/Tools+ supports USB 2.0 and 3.0 communication for the following PC operating systems:

Microsoft Windows 7, 32 bit.
Microsoft Windows 7, 64 bit.
Microsoft Windows 8, 32 bit.
Microsoft Windows 8, 64 bit.
Microsoft Windows 10, 32 bit.
Microsoft Windows 10, 64 bit.

5.1.2 Hardware

Personal computer with a dual-core 2 GHz processor.
4 GB of RAM (minimum—8 GB recommended).
128 GB hard disk, with at least 15 GB of available hard disk space.
DVD-ROM drive.
Support for DirectX 9 graphics with:
- WDDM driver
- 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)
- Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
- 32 bits per pixel.
SVGA (1024 × 768) monitor (or higher resolution).
Internet access (fees may apply).
Audio output.
Keyboard and mouse, or a compatible pointing device.

5.2 Installation of FLIR Tools/Tools+‎

5.2.1 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Double-click the installation file FLIR Tools.exe. This starts the installation wizard.

Select the I agree to the license terms and conditions and the FLIR Report Studio check boxes. Click Install. This starts the setup of FLIR Tools/Tools+.

When the setup is completed, click Close.

The installation is now complete. If you are asked to restart your computer, do so.

Follow this procedure:

Insert the FLIR Tools/Tools+ installation CD/DVD into the CD/DVD drive. The installation should start automatically.
In the Autoplay dialog box, click Run setup.exe (Published by FLIR Systems).
In the User Account Control dialog box, confirm that you want to install FLIR Tools/Tools+.
In the Ready to Install the Program dialog box, click Install.
Click Finish. The installation is now complete. If you are asked to restart your computer, do so.

6 Login

6.1 General

The first time you start FLIR Tools/Tools+, you must log in with a FLIR Customer Support account. If you already have an existing FLIR Customer Support account, you can use the same login credentials.

When you log in, your computer must have internet access.
Unless you log out, you do not need to log in again to use FLIR Tools/Tools+.

6.2 Login procedure

Follow this procedure:

Start FLIR Tools/Tools+.

The FLIR Login and Registration window is displayed:

To log in with your existing FLIR Customer Support account, do the following:

In the FLIR Login and Registration window, enter your username and password.
Click Log In. Depending on the internet connection, it may take a few seconds for FLIR Tools/Tools+ to start.

To create a new FLIR Customer Support account, do the following:

In the FLIR Login and Registration window, click Create a New Account. This opens the FLIR Customer Support Center page in a web browser.
Enter the required information and click Create Account.
In the FLIR Login and Registration window, enter your username and password.
Click Log In. Depending on the internet connection, it may take a few seconds for FLIR Tools/Tools+ to start.

6.3 Logout

Normally, there is no need to log out. If you log out, you need to log in again to start FLIR Tools/Tools+.

Follow this procedure:

In the upper menu bar, to the far right, click your username.

Click Log Out.

In the dialog box, do one of the following:

To log out and exit FLIR Tools/Tools+, click Yes. This will close the application, and all of your unsaved work will be lost.
To cancel and return to the application, click Cancel.

7 Enabling FLIR Tools+‎

FLIR Tools+ adds a number of features to FLIR Tools, such as recording and play-back of radiometric video files, time–temperature plotting, Microsoft Word reporting, grouping of files, stitching of images into panoramas, and more.

To enable FLIR Tools+, follow this procedure:

On the Help menu, click License options.
For FLIR Tools+, click Apply.
Restart the program.
A 30-day evaluation version of FLIR Tools+ has now begun. If you want to use the program after 30 days, you need to purchase it.

For more information, see section 8.4 Activating additional software modules.

8 Managing licenses

8.1 Activating your license

8.1.1 General

The first time you start FLIR Tools/Tools+ you will be able to choose one of the following options:

Activate FLIR Tools/Tools+ online.
Activate FLIR Tools/Tools+ by e-mail.
Purchase FLIR Tools/Tools+ and receive a serial number for activation.
Use FLIR Tools/Tools+ for free during an evaluation period.

8.1.2 Figure

Figure 8.1 Activation dialog box.

8.1.3 Activating FLIR Tools/Tools+‎ online

Follow this procedure:

Start FLIR Tools/Tools+.
In the web activation dialog box, select I have a Serial Number and I want to activate FLIR Tools/Tools+.
Click Next.
Enter your serial number, name, company and e-mail address. The name should be that of the license holder.
Click Next.
Click Activate now. This will start the web activation process.
When the message Online activation was successful is displayed, click Close.
You have now successfully activated FLIR Tools/Tools+.

8.1.4 Activating FLIR Tools/Tools+‎ by e-mail

Follow this procedure:

Start FLIR Tools/Tools+.
In the web activation dialog box, click Activate the product by e-mail.
Enter your serial number, name, company and e-mail address. The name should be that of the license holder.
Click Request Unlock Key by E-mail.
Your default e-mail client now opens, and an unsent e-mail with the license information is displayed.
Note Send this e-mail without altering the content.

The main purpose of the e-mail is to send the license information to the activation center.
Click Next. The program will now start and you can continue working while waiting for the unlock key. You should receive an e-mail with the unlock key within 2 days.
When the e-mail with the unlock key arrives, start the program and enter the unlock key in the text box. See the figure below.

Figure 8.2 Unlock key dialog box.

8.2 Activating FLIR Tools/Tools+‎ on a computer with no internet access

If your computer does not have internet access, you can request the unlock key by e-mail from another computer.

Follow this procedure:

Start FLIR Tools/Tools+.
In the web activation dialog box, click Activate the product by e-mail.
Enter your serial number, name, company and e-mail address. The name should be that of the license holder.
Click Request Unlock Key by E-mail.
Your default e-mail client now opens, and an unsent e-mail with the license information is displayed.
Note If there is no e-mail client on the computer, you will be prompted to configure an e-mail client.
Copy the e-mail, without altering the content, to e.g. an USB stick and send the e-mail to [email protected] from another computer.
The main purpose of the e-mail is to send the license information to the activation center.
Click Next. The program will now start and you can continue working while waiting for the unlock key. You should receive an e-mail with the unlock key within 2 days.
When the e-mail with the unlock key arrives, start the program and enter the unlock key in the text box. See the figure below.

Figure 8.3 Unlock key dialog box.

8.3 Transferring your license

8.3.1 General

You can transfer a license from one computer to another computer, as long as you do not exceed the number of purchased licenses.

This lets you use the software on, for example, a desktop PC and a laptop computer.

8.3.2 Figure

Figure 8.4 License viewer (example image only).

8.3.3 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Start FLIR Tools/Tools+.
On the Help menu, select Show license information. This will display the license viewer shown above.
In the license viewer, click Transfer license. This will display a deactivation dialog box.
In the deactivation dialog box, click Deactivate.
On the computer to which you want to transfer the license, start FLIR Tools/Tools+.
As soon as the computer has internet access, the license will be automatically adopted.

8.4 Activating additional software modules

8.4.1 General

For some software, you can purchase additional modules from FLIR Systems. Before your can use the module, you need to activate it.

8.4.2 Figure

Figure 8.5 License viewer, showing available software modules (example image only).

8.4.3 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Download and install the software module. Software modules are typically delivered as printed scratchcards with a download link.
Start FLIR Tools/Tools+.
On the Help menu, select Show license information. This will display the license viewer shown above.
Select the module that you have purchased.
Click Activation Key.
On the scratchcard, scratch the field to see the activation key.
Enter the key into the Activation Key text box.
Click OK.
The software module has now been activated.

9 Workflow

9.1 General

When you carry out an infrared inspection you follow a typical workflow. This section gives an example of an infrared inspection workflow.

9.2 Figure

9.3 Explanation

Use your camera to take your infrared images and/or digital photos.
Connect your camera to a PC using a USB connector.
Import the images from the camera into FLIR Tools/Tools+.
Do one of the following:
- Create a PDF imagesheet in FLIR Tools.
- Create a PDF report in FLIR Tools.
- Create a non-radiometric Microsoft Word report in FLIR Tools+.
- Create a radiometric Microsoft Word report in FLIR Tools+.
Send the report to your client as an attachment to an e-mail.

10 Importing images

10.1 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Install FLIR Tools/Tools+ on your computer.
Start FLIR Tools/Tools+.
Turn on the camera.
Connect the camera to the computer, using a USB cable. This displays a dialog box.

Figure 10.1 Import guide (example).

Note For some older camera models, you need to set the USB mode to mass storage device (MSD) or mass storage device—UVC (MSD-UVC).
Click Import images from camera. This displays a dialog box where you can see the images in the camera. For cameras with more than one folder, you can select the folders in the left pane.
In the right pane, select one or more of the check boxes:
- Hide already imported items.
- Delete items from device after import.
- Enhance image resolution (UltraMax, see below).
- Backup original images before enhancement.
Applicable to cameras with more than one folder. Do one of the following:
- To import all images in all folders, click Import all folders at the bottom left.
- To import all images in multiple folders, use the Ctrl key + click to select the folders. Then click Import folders at the bottom right.
- To import all images in one folder, select the folder and then click Import folder at the bottom right.
- To import selected images in one folder, select the folder and use the Ctrl key + click to select the images. Then click Import items at the bottom right.
Applicable to cameras with one folder. Do one of the following:
- To import all images, click Import all at the bottom left.
- To import selected images, use the Ctrl key + click to select the images. Then click Import items at the bottom right.
The Select destination dialog box is displayed. Select the destination folder or create a new subfolder.
Click Import. This starts the import of the images.

10.2 About UltraMax

UltraMax is an image enhancement feature that will increase the image resolution and lower the noise, making small objects easier to see and measure. An UltraMax image is twice as wide and high as an ordinary image.

When an UltraMax image is captured by the camera, several ordinary images are saved in the same file. Capturing all the images can take up to 1 second. To fully utilize UltraMax, the images need to be slightly different, which can be accomplished by a slight movement of the camera. You should hold the camera firmly in your hands (do not put it on a tripod), which will make these images vary just a little during the capture. Correct focus, a high-contrast scene, and a non-moving target are other conditions that help to achieve a good-quality UltraMax image.

11 Screen elements and toolbar buttons

11.1 Window elements: the Library tab

11.1.1 Figure

11.1.2 Explanation

Folder pane.
Program tabs:
- Instruments (e.g., meters or infrared cameras).
- Library.
- Report.
- Panorama.
Thumbnail view of selected folders.
Menu bar:
- Templates.
- Full screen.
- Options.
- Help.
Thumbnail view of the infrared image.
Thumbnail view of the digital photo (if available).
Measurement pane.
Note
- A icon in the result table indicates that the measurement result is above or below the calibrated temperature range of the infrared camera and is therefore incorrect. This phenomenon is called overflow or underflow.
- A icon in the result table indicates that the measurement result is too close to the calibrated temperature range of the infrared camera and is therefore unreliable.
Parameters pane.
Image information pane

11.2 Window elements: the Instruments tab

11.2.1 Figure

11.2.2 Explanation

Recordings pane.
Log area.
Recording speed, time interval controls, and temperature range.
Note For FLIR Ax5 series cameras, the High selection in the Temperature range drop-down menu refers to high gain, i.e., a low temperature range, and vice versa.
Camera-related controls:
- Focusing the camera.
- Calibrating the camera.
- Recording a sequence, pausing a sequence, and resuming a sequence.
- Saving a single snapshot as a *.jpg file.
- Selecting the measurement range.
- In the Options dialog box (opens by clicking the button):
  - Setting the file name prefix.
  - Setting the storage location for sequence files (*.seq, *.csq).
  - Setting the maximum amount of disk usage.
Button to connect to a Bluetooth-enabled device (e.g., a meter)
Button to connect a camera.
Program tabs.
Image window.
Toolbar buttons.
Sliders to adjust the bottom and top temperature levels in the scale (in effect, changing the histogram).
Temperature scale.
Measurements window (results from the connected device, e.g., a meter)
Toolbar buttons:
- Show/hide thermal camera view.
- Show/hide measurements view.
- Show/hide plot view.
Menu bar:
- Templates.
- Full screen.
- Options.
- Help.
Measurements and parameters pane (devices).
Measurements and parameters pane (thermal cameras).
Note
- A icon in the result table indicates that the measurement result is above or below the calibrated temperature range of the infrared camera and is therefore incorrect. This phenomenon is called overflow or underflow.
- A icon in the result table indicates that the measurement result is too close to the calibrated temperature range of the infrared camera and is therefore unreliable.
Annotations pane.
Auto-adjust button.
Plot window.
For more information, see section 14.15 Creating a plot and 23.1.2 The Options dialog (for plot-specific options).

11.3 Window elements: the Create imagesheet tab

11.3.1 Figure

11.3.2 Explanation

Thumbnail view of the current page.
Tabs to go to the different imagesheets that are currently open.
Detail view of the current imagesheet page.
Page setup, where a company logo and the paper size can be selected.
Page layout setup.
Text box to search and filter the images.
Zoom controls.
Page controls.
Images in the currently selected folder.

11.4 Window elements: the Report tab

11.4.1 Figure

11.4.2 Explanation

Thumbnail view of the current report page.
Tabs to go to the different reports that are currently open.
Toolbar buttons.
Detail view of the current report page.
Page setup, where logos and paper size can be selected.
Area for image object details and voice comments.
Text box to search and filter the images.
Zoom controls.
Page controls.
Images in the currently selected folder.

11.5 Window elements: the image-editing window (for still images)

11.5.1 Figure

11.5.2 Explanation

Measurement toolbar.
Thumbnail view of the infrared image (and digital photo, if available).
Additional panes:
- Notes.
- Measurements.
- Parameters.
- Text annotations.
- Image information.
Temperature scale.
Cancel button.
Save and close button.
Save button.
Auto-adjust button, to adjust the image for the best brightness and contrast.
Previous/Next buttons.
Temperature span and level control.

11.6 Window elements: the image-editing window (for video clips)

11.6.1 Figure

11.6.2 Explanation

Measurement toolbar.
Thumbnail view of the video clip.
Information about the sequence file.
Measurement and parameters pane.
Image information pane.
Temperature scale.
Cancel button.
Save and close button.
Auto-adjust button, to adjust the image for the best brightness and contrast.
Temperature span and level control.
Play/pause and forward/backward buttons.
Buttons to save a snapshot as a *.jpg file, to export the video clip as an *.avi file, and to change the playback speed (–60× to +60×).
Note Exporting a video clip as an *.avi file requires that FFDShow has been installed on the computer. FFDShow can be downloaded from http://www.free-codecs.com .

11.7 Toolbar buttons (on the Instruments tab)

	Selection tool.
	Spotmeter tool.
	Area tool.
	Line tool.
	Circle and ellipsis tool.
	Rotate right/left tool.
	Color palette tool.
	Auto-adjust region tool.
	Zoom tool.

11.8 Toolbar buttons (in the image-editing window)

	Selection tool.
	Spotmeter tool.
	Area tool.
	Circle and ellipsis tool.
	Line tool.
	Difference tool.
	Rotate right/left tool.
	Color palette tool.
	Thermal MSX tool.
	Thermal tool.
	Thermal fusion tool.
	Thermal blending tool.
	Picture-in-picture tool.
	Digital photo tool.
	Tool to change picture-in-picture.
	Tool to change thermal/photo balance.
	Auto-adjust region tool.
	Zoom tool.

11.9 Toolbar buttons (in the report-editing window)

	Text annotation tool.
	Textbox tool.
	Arrow marker tool.
	Snap objects to grid.

11.10 The Panorama tab

11.10.1 Figure

11.10.2 Explanation

Buttons to switch between source file view and panorama view.
Buttons to crop the panorama image, to correct the perspective, and to save the panorama image.
Pane where all panorama images created from the selected images are displayed.
Buttons to change the folder, select images by date, and search images.
Buttons to zoom into and out of the panorama image.
Pane displaying the source files in the currently selected folder.

12 Live image streaming of camera images

12.1 General

You can connect an infrared camera to FLIR Tools/Tools+ and display its live image stream on the Instruments tab. When the camera is connected, you can lay out measurement tools, change parameters, create plots, etc.

12.2 Figure

Figure 12.1 The Instruments tab.

12.3 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Start FLIR Tools/Tools+.
Turn on the infrared camera.
Connect the camera to the computer, using a USB cable. This displays an import guide.

Figure 12.2 Import guide (example).

Note For some older camera models, you need to set the USB mode to mass storage device (MSD) or mass storage device—UVC (MSD-UVC).
Click Connect to livestream. This displays the live image stream from the camera on the Instruments tab.
On the Instruments tab, do one or more of the following:
- To adjust camera focus, click the button (near focus), the button (autofocus), or the button (far focus).
- To calibrate the camera, click the button.
- To start a recording, click the button.
- To stop a recording, click the button.
- To freeze the live image stream, click the toolbar button.
- To save a single snapshot as a *.jpg file, click the button.
- To change a number of recording settings, click the button. This displays a dialog box.
- To display the live image stream of another camera on the network, click the button for that camera.
- To lay out a measurement tool, click the tool and then click on the image.
- To change parameters, click the value field of a parameter, type a new value, and press Enter.
- To create a plot, right-click the image and then select the type of plot you want.
  For more information, see section 14.15 Creating a plot and 23.1.2 The Options dialog (for plot-specific options).

13 Managing images and folders

13.1 Grouping files

13.1.1 General

You can group files together, e.g., one infrared image and one digital photo, or one infrared image and a plot. When two files are grouped, a link is created and the images act as a pair through the reporting process.

13.1.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Go to the Library tab.
In the image window, select two files.
Right-click the images and click Group.

13.2 Saving a sequence file frame as a radiometric *.jpg file

13.2.1 General

You can save a sequence file frame as a radiometric *.jpg image.

13.2.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Go to the Library tab.
Double-click a sequence file (file suffix *.seq, *.csq).
Go to the point of interest in the sequence file, using the playback controls.
Click the toolbar button. This will open a Save as dialog box where you can navigate to the location where you want to save the file.

13.3 Saving a sequence file frame as an *.avi file

13.3.1 General

You can save a sequence file frame as an *.avi file.

13.3.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Go to the Library tab.
Double-click a sequence file (file suffix *.seq, *.csq).
Click the toolbar button. This will open a Save as dialog box where you can navigate to the location where you want to save the file.

13.4 Changing the playback speed

13.4.1 General

You can change the playback speed of video clips between –60× and +60×.

13.4.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Go to the Library tab.
Double-click a sequence file (file suffix *.seq, *.csq).
Click the toolbar button and select a playback speed by dragging the slider.

13.5 Cloning images

13.5.1 General

You can create copies of one or more images. This is called cloning.

13.5.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Go to the Library tab.
Select the image or images that you want to clone.
On the right-click menu, click Clone.

13.6 Extracting a digital camera photo from a multispectral image

13.6.1 General

For cameras supporting multispectral images, all image modes are included inside a single image file—MSX, thermal, thermal fusion, thermal blending, picture-in-picture, and the digital camera photo.

You can extract a digital camera photo from this multispectral image. The field of view of the extracted photo will match the field of view of the thermal image. Additionally, you can extract a photo at its full field of view.

13.6.2 Procedure: Extracting a photo

Follow this procedure:

Go to the Library tab.
Select the image for which you want to extract the digital camera photo.
On the right-click menu, click Extract photo.

13.6.3 Procedure: Extracting a photo at its full field of view

Follow this procedure:

Go to the Library tab.
Select the image for which you want to extract the digital camera photo.
On the right-click menu, click Extract full photo.

13.7 Enhancing the resolution of an image

13.7.1 General

Some cameras from FLIR Systems support enhancing the resolution of images by using a feature called UltraMax.

13.7.2 Indication of supported images

Supported images are indicated by a special icon on the Library tab. See the bottom right corner in the figure below.

13.7.3 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Go to the Library tab.
Right-click an image that has the icon shown above.
Select one of the following:
- Enhance image resolution (UltraMax).
- Enhance image resolution (UltraMax) and backup original images.

13.8 Deleting images

13.8.1 General

You can delete one image or a group of images.

13.8.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Go to the Library tab.
In the image window, select the image or images that you want to delete.
Do one of the following:
- Press the DELETE key and confirm that you want to delete the image or images.
- Right-click the image or images, select Delete, and confirm that you want to delete the image or images.

13.9 Adding a directory

13.9.1 General

You can add a directory to the library.

13.9.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Go to the Library tab.
At the top of the left pane, click Add to library. This will open a Browse for folder dialog box where you can navigate to the directory that you want to add.

13.10 Deleting a directory

13.10.1 General

You can delete a directory from the library.

13.10.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Go to the Library tab.
Right-click a directory and select Delete directory.

13.11 Creating a subfolder

13.11.1 General

You can create a subfolder to an existing directory in the library.

13.11.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Go to the Library tab.
Right-click a directory and select Create subfolder.

14 Analyzing images

14.1 Laying out a measurement tool

14.1.1 General

You can lay out one or more measurement tools on an image, e.g., a spotmeter, an area, a circle, or a line.

14.1.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, double-click an image.
On the image toolbar, select a measurement tool.
To lay out the measurement tool on the image, click the location where the measurement tool is to be placed.

14.2 Moving a measurement tool

14.2.1 General

Measurement tools that you have laid out on an image can be moved around, using the selection tool.

14.2.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, double-click an image.
On the image toolbar, select .
On the image, select the measurement tool and drag it to a new position.

14.3 Resizing a measurement tool

14.3.1 General

Measurement tools that you have laid out on an image, e.g., an area, can be resized using the selection tool.

14.3.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, double-click an image.
On the image toolbar, select .
On the image, select the measurement area and use the selection tool to drag the handles that are displayed around the frame of the area:

14.4 Deleting a measurement tool

14.4.1 General

You can delete any measurement tools that you have laid out on an image.

14.4.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, double-click an image.
On the image toolbar, select .
On the image, select the measurement tool and press DELETE.

14.5 Creating local markers for a measurement tool

14.5.1 General

When images are imported from the camera to FLIR Tools, the program will respect any existing markers for a measurement tool in the image. However, sometimes you may want to add a marker when analyzing the image in FLIR Tools: you do this by using local markers.

14.5.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, double-click an image for which, for example, a measurement area has already been laid out in the camera.
Right-click the area and select Local min/max/avg markers.
Select or clear the markers that you want to add or remove.
Click OK.

14.6 Setting local parameters for a measurement tool

14.6.1 General

In some situations you may want to change a measurement parameter for one measurement tool only. The reason for this could be that the measurement tool is in front of a significantly more reflective surface than other surfaces in the image, or over an object that is further away than the rest of the objects in the image, and so on.

For more information about object parameters, see section 27 Thermographic measurement techniques.

14.6.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, double-click an image.
Lay out a measurement too, e.g., an area.
Right-click the area and select Use local parameters.
In the dialog box, select Use local parameters.
Enter a value for one or more parameters.
Click OK.

14.7 Working with isotherms

14.7.1 General

The isotherm command applies a contrasting color to all pixels with a temperature above, below, or between one or more set temperature levels.

Using isotherms is a good method to easily discover anomalies in an infrared image.

14.7.2 Setting up general isotherms (Above, Below)

14.7.2.1 General

An isotherm of the type Above and Below will colorize areas with a temperature above or below a set temperature.

14.7.2.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, double-click an image.
On the image toolbar, click , and select one of the following:
- Above.
- Below.
In the right pane, take note of the parameter Limit. Areas in the image with a temperature above or below this temperature will be colorized with the isotherm color. You can change this limit, and also change the isotherm color on the Color menu.

14.7.3 Setting up general isotherms (Interval)

14.7.3.1 General

An isotherm of the type Interval will colorize areas with a temperature between two set temperatures.

14.7.3.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, double-click an image.
On the image toolbar, click , and select Interval.
In the right pane, take note of the parameters Upper limit and Lower limit. Areas in the image with a temperature between these two temperatures will be colorized with the isotherm color. You can change these limits, and also change the isotherm color on the Color menu.

14.7.4 Setting up a humidity isotherm

14.7.4.1 General

The humidity isotherm can detect areas where there is a risk of mold growing, or where there is a risk of the humidity falling out as liquid water (i.e., the dew point).

14.7.4.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, double-click an image.
On the image toolbar, click , and select Humidity. Depending on your object, certain areas will now be colorized with an isotherm color.
In the right pane, take note of the parameter Calculated limit. This is the temperature at which there is a risk of humidity. If the parameter Relative humidity limit is set to 100%, this is also the dew point, i.e., the temperature at which the humidity falls out as liquid water.

14.7.5 Setting up an insulation isotherm

14.7.5.1 General

The insulation isotherm can detect areas where there may be an insulation deficiency in the building. It will trigger when the insulation level falls below a preset value of the energy leakage through the building structure—the so-called thermal index.

Different building codes recommend different values for the thermal index, but typical values are 0.6–0.8 for new buildings. Refer to your national building code for recommendations.

14.7.5.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, double-click an image.
On the image toolbar, click , and select Insulation. Depending on your object, certain areas will now be colorized with an isotherm color.
In the right pane, take note of the parameter Calculated insulation. This is the temperature where the insulation level falls below a preset value of the energy leakage through the building structure.

14.7.6 Setting up a custom isotherm

14.7.6.1 General

A custom isotherm is an isotherm of any of the following types:

Above.
Below.
Interval.
Humidity.
Insulation.

For these custom isotherms, you can specify a number of different parameters manually, compared with using the standard isotherms:

Background.
Colors (semi-transparent or solid colors).
Inverted color (for the Interval isotherm only).

14.7.6.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, double-click an image.
On the image toolbar, click , and select Custom.
In the right pane, specify the following parameters:
- For Above and Below:
  - Background.
  - Limit.
  - Color.
- For Interval:
  - Background.
  - Upper limit.
  - Lower limit.
  - Color.
  - Inverted interval.
- For Humidity:
  - Background.
  - Color.
  - Relative humidity.
  - Relative humidity limit.
  - Atmospheric temperature.
- For Insulation:
  - Background.
  - Color.
  - Indoor temperature.
  - Outdoor temperature.
  - Thermal index.

14.8 Changing the temperature levels

14.8.1 General

At the bottom of the infrared image you will see two sliders. By dragging these sliders to the left or to the right you can change the top and bottom levels in the temperature scale.

14.8.2 Why change temperature levels?

The reason to change the temperature levels manually is that it makes it easier to analyze a temperature anomaly.

14.8.2.1 Example 1

Here are two infrared images of a building. In the left image, which is auto-adjusted, the large temperature span between the clear sky and the heated building makes a correct analysis difficult. You can analyze the building in more detail if you change the temperature scale to values close to the temperature of the building.

Automatic

Manual

14.8.2.2 Example 2

Here are two infrared images of an isolator in a power line. To make it easier to analyze the temperature variations in the isolator, the temperature scale in the right image has been changed to values close to the temperature of the isolator.

Automatic

Manual

14.8.3 Changing the top level

Follow this procedure:

Drag the right slider right or left to change the top level in the temperature scale.

14.8.4 Changing the bottom level

Follow this procedure:

Drag the left slider right or left to change the bottom level in the temperature scale.

14.8.5 Changing both the top and bottom levels at the same time

Follow this procedure:

SHIFT-drag the left or right slider right or left to change both the top and the bottom levels in the temperature scale at the same time.

14.9 Auto-adjusting an image

14.9.1 General

You can auto-adjust an image or a group of images. When you auto-adjust an image you adjust it for the best image brightness and contrast. This means that the color information is distributed over the existing temperatures of the image.

14.9.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

To auto-adjust an image, do one of the following:
- Double-click the temperature scale.
- Click the Auto button.

14.10 Defining an auto-adjust region

14.10.1 General

When you click the temperature scale or the Auto button in the image window, the whole image is auto-adjusted. This means that the color information is distributed over the temperatures in the image.

However, in some situations the still image or the video image may contain very hot or cold areas outside your area of interest. In such cases you will want to exclude those areas and use the color information only for the temperatures in your area of interest. You can do so by defining an auto-adjust region.

14.10.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, double-click an image.
In the image window, click the button on the top toolbar. This will display a tool with which you can create a region. The region can be moved and resized to suit your area of interest, but will not be saved in the image.

14.11 Changing the color distribution

14.11.1 General

You can change the distribution of colors in an image. A different color distribution can make it easier to analyze the image more thoroughly.

14.11.2 Definitions

You can choose from three different color distributions:

Histogram equalization: This is an image-displaying method that distributes the color information over the existing temperatures of the image. This method of distributing the information can be particularly successful when the image contains few peaks at very high temperature values.
Signal linear: This is an image-displaying method where the color information in the image is distributed linearly to the signal values of the pixels.
Temperature linear: This is an image-displaying method where the color information in the image is distributed linearly to the temperature values of the pixels.

14.11.3 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Go to the Library tab.
Double-click the image for which you want to change the color distribution.
On the right-click menu, click Color distribution and select Histogram equalization, Signal linear, or Temperature linear.

14.12 Changing the palette

14.12.1 General

You can change the palette that the camera uses to display the different temperatures within an image. A different palette can make it easier to analyze the image.

14.12.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, double-click an image.
In the image window, click the button on the top toolbar. This will display a drop-down menu.
On the menu, click the palette that you want to use.

14.13 Changing the image mode

14.13.1 General

For some images you can change the image mode. You do this on the toolbar in the image-editing window.

14.13.2 Types of image modes

Button	Image mode	Image example
	Thermal MSX (Multi Spectral Dynamic Imaging): This mode displays an infrared image where the edges of the objects are enhanced. Note that the label for each fuse is clearly legible.
	Thermal: This mode displays a fully infrared image.
	Thermal fusion: This mode displays a digital photo where some parts are displayed in infrared, depending on the temperature limits.
	Picture-in-picture: This mode displays an infrared image frame on top of a digital photo.
	Digital camera: This mode displays a fully digital photo.

14.14 Exporting to CSV

14.14.1 General

You can export the content of an image as a matrix of comma-separated values for further analysis in external software. The file format is *.csv, and the file can be opened in Microsoft Excel.

14.14.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, double-click an image.
Right-click the image and select Export to CSV. This displays a dialog box.
In the dialog box, do one of the following:
- To export the image, select Image in the drop-down menu. Additionally, select whether to include object parameters and text annotations.
- To export the measurements, select Measurements in the drop-down menu. Additionally, select whether to include object parameters, text annotations, and the values of measurement tools.

14.15 Creating a plot

14.15.1 General

When FLIR Tools/Tools+ is connected to a camera that supports radiometric streaming, you can create a plot. A plot displays how the results of one or several measurement tools vary over time.

14.15.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Start FLIR Tools/Tools+.
Turn on the infrared camera.
Connect the camera to the computer, using a USB cable. This displays an import guide.

Figure 14.1 Import guide (example).

Note For some older camera models, you need to set the USB mode to mass storage device (MSD) or mass storage device—UVC (MSD-UVC).
Click Connect to livestream. This displays the live image stream from the camera on the Instruments tab.
On the Instruments tab, right-click the image and then select the type of plot you want. You can choose between the following types:
- Points: This displays the plot as a series of points.
- Line: This displays the plot as a line.
- Area: This displays the plot as a colored area.
- Digital Line: This displays the plot as a digital line, i.e., a line with no interpolation between the data points.
- Digital Area: This displays the plot as a colored digital area, i.e., an area below a line with no interpolation between the data points.
- Impulse: This displays the plot as a series of vertical impulses, with a circular endpoint.
Right-click the image again and select Options if you want to change certain aspects of the plot.
For more information, see section 23.1.2 The Options dialog (for plot-specific options).

14.16 Calculating areas

14.16.1 General

The distance included in the image parameter data can be used as the basis for area calculations. A typical application is to estimate the size of a damp stain on a wall.

To calculate the area of a surface, you need to add a box or circle measurement tool to the image. FLIR Tools/Tools+ calculates the area of the surface enclosed by the box or circle tool. The calculation is an estimate of the surface area, based on the distance value.

14.16.1.1 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Add a box or circle measurement tool, see section 14.1 Laying out a measurement tool.

Adjust the size of the box or circle tool to the size of the object, see section 14.3 Resizing a measurement tool.

Right-click the tool and select Local min/max/avg markers. In the dialog box, select the Area check box. This displays the calculated area, based on the distance value, in the Measurements pane.

To change the distance value, click the value field in the Parameters pane, type a new value, and press Enter. The recalculated area, based on the new distance value, is displayed in the Measurements pane.

14.17 Calculating lengths

14.17.1 General

The distance included in the image parameter data can be used as the basis for length calculations.

To calculate the length, you need to add a line measurement tool to the image. FLIR Tools/Tools+ calculates an estimate of the line length, based on the distance value.

14.17.1.1 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Add a line measurement tool, see section 14.1 Laying out a measurement tool.

Adjust the size of the line tool to the size of the object, see section 14.3 Resizing a measurement tool.

Right-click the tool and select Local min/max/avg markers. In the dialog box, select the Length check box. This displays the calculated length, based on the distance value, in the Measurements pane.

15 Working with annotations

15.1 About image descriptions

15.1.1 What is an image description?

An image description is a brief free-form textual description that is stored in an infrared image file. It uses a standard tag in the *.jpg file format and can be retrieved by other software.

15.1.1.1 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, double-click an image.
In the right pane, type the image description in the field under Image description.

15.2 About text annotations

15.2.1 What is a text annotation?

A text annotation is textual information about something in an image and is constructed of a group of information pairs—label and value. The reason for using text annotations is to make reporting and post-processing more efficient by providing essential information about the image, e.g., conditions, photos, and information about where an image is taken.

A text annotation is a proprietary annotation format from FLIR Systems, and the information cannot be retrieved by other vendors’ software. The concept relies heavily on interaction by the user. In the camera, the user can select one of several values for each label. The user can also enter numerical values, and make the text annotation capture measurement values from the screen.

15.2.2 Definition of label and value

The concept of text annotation is based on two important definitions—label and value. The following examples explain the difference between the two definitions.

Company	Company A Company B Company C
Building	Workshop 1 Workshop 2 Workshop 3
Section	Room 1 Room 2 Room 3
Equipment	Tool 1 Tool 2 Tool 3
Recommendation	Recommendation 1 Recommendation 2 Recommendation 3

15.2.3 Example markup structure

The file format for a text annotation is *.tcf. This code sample is an example markup structure of such a file and shows how the markup looks in Notepad. The words between pointed brackets are labels, and the words without pointed brackets are values.

<Company>
                              Company A
                              Company B
                              Company C
                              <Building>
                              Workshop 1
                              Workshop 2
                              Workshop 3
                              <Section>
                              Room 1
                              Room 2
                              Room 3
                              <Equipment>
                              Machine 1
                              Machine 2
                              Machine 3
                              <Recommendation>
                              Recommendation 1
                              Recommendation 2
                              Recommendation 3

15.2.4 Creating a text annotation for an image

15.2.4.1 General

In FLIR Tools/Tools+, you can create a text annotation for an image. You do this in the image-editing window.

15.2.4.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, double-click an image.
Under Text annotations in the right pane, click the button (the ‘+’ sign). This adds text annotation rows.
Enter the desired labels and values. See the image below for examples.
Click Save and close.

15.2.5 Creating a text annotation template

15.2.5.1 General

In FLIR Tools/Tools+, you can create text annotation templates on the Templates tab. These templates can either be transferred to the camera or used as a template during post-analysis in the program.

15.2.5.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Click the Templates tab.
Click the Add new text annotations template toolbar button.
Create a name for the template.
Enter the desired fields and values. See the image below for examples.
Save the template.
Do one of the following:
- To use the template in the camera, connect a camera to FLIR Tools/Tools+ and transfer the template to the camera.
- To use the template during post-analysis in FLIR Tools/Tools+, double-click an image, and then click Import from template under Text annotations in the right pane.

16 Creating panoramas

16.1 General

In FLIR Tools+ you can create panoramas by stitching together several smaller images into a larger one. FLIR Tools+ analyzes each image to detect pixel patterns that match pixel patterns in other images.

You can then crop the panorama and carry out various perspective corrections.

16.2 Figure

This figure shows the panorama workspace.

16.3 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, select the images that you want to use when creating a panorama.
Right-click the images and select Combine into panorama. This will open the Panorama tab.
At this stage you can perform a variety of tasks:
- Click to crop the panorama.
- Click to carry out a perspective correction on the image.
- Click to save the panorama as an image file.
- Click to view the original source files.
- Click to view the final panorama.

For more information, see section 11.10 The Panorama tab.

17 Creating reports

17.1 General

You can create the following types of reports from the program:

An Adobe PDF imagesheet: This is a simple report format that contains only infrared and any associated visual images. The report cannot be edited further, and radiometric data is not included. For more information, see 17.4 Creating an Adobe PDF imagesheet.
An Adobe PDF report: This is a simple report format that contains infrared images, any associated visual images, and result tables. The report cannot be edited further, and radiometric data is not included. For more information, see section 17.5 Creating an Adobe PDF report
A radiometric Microsoft Word report: This is the most advanced report format, and requires an installation of FLIR Report Studio and an active FLIR Tools+/FLIR Report Studio license. A report in Microsoft Word *.docx file format is generated. Advanced radiometric analysis can be carried out using the FLIR Word Add-in features in Microsoft Word. For more information, see section 17.6 Creating a radiometric Microsoft Word‎ report

Note

The program ships with a number of report templates. You can also create your own radiometric Microsoft Word report templates, see section 20 Creating report templates .
You can export a radiometric Microsoft Word report to a flat (non-radiometric) report or to a PDF report from the FLIR Word Add-in. For more information, see section 18.7 Exporting a report .
You can also create Microsoft Word reports using the FLIR Report Studio wizard. For more information, see section 21 Creating reports using the FLIR Report Studio‎ wizard .
An Adobe PDF report can be saved in an intermediary format called *.repx. For more information, see section 17.3 Saving a report in the intermediary *.repx format

17.2 Setting a default report template

Prior to working with reports, you need to set a default report template. A maximum of two default report templates can be set. These templates will then be used when clicking Generate report on the Library tab.

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, select any image and then click . This will display the available report templates.
Right-click a report template and click Set as default report template.

17.3 Saving a report in the intermediary *.repx format

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, select the image or images that you want to include in your report.
Right-click the image or images and select Create report.
Under Page setup in the right pane, select the page size and logo that you want to use.
On the report, double-click the header and/or footer to add any header/footer text that you want to use.
Click Save or Save As to save the report in FLIR Systems*.repx file format.

17.4 Creating an Adobe PDF imagesheet

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, select the image or images that you want to include in your imagesheet.
Right-click the image or images and select Create imagesheet.
Under Page setup on the right pane, select the page size and logo that you want to use.
Under Layout on the right pane, click the page layout that you want to use.
On the imagesheet, double-click the header and/or footer to add any header/footer text that you want to use.
Click Export to export the imagesheet as a PDF file.

17.5 Creating an Adobe PDF report

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, select the image or images that you want to include in your report.
Right-click the image or images and select Create report. This displays the Report tab.
At this stage, you have the option to do one or more of the following:
- Drag a group of images, photos, or text annotations into a report.
- Drag single images, photos, or tables into a report.
- Reorder the pages in the report.
- Enter text in a report using textboxes.
- Create and edit text annotations.
- Edit image descriptions.
- Add and edit a header or footer in a report.
- Move and delete images, photos, text annotations, and tables in a report.
- Resize images in a report.
- Update measurements in an infrared image and see updates instantly in the result table.
- Zoom into and out of a report page.
- Add arrow markers to the image or any other object in the report.
- Edit an image from the report by double-clicking the image.
In the Save PDF as dialog box, select a location and type a filename.
Click OK.

17.6 Creating a radiometric Microsoft Word‎ report

Follow this procedure:

On the Library tab, select the image or images that you want to include in your report.
Right-click the image or images and select Create report.
The Select a Folder dialog box is displayed. Select the folder to save the report in, enter a filename, and click Save.
The Report Properties dialog box is displayed.

Do one or more of the following:
- Enter the customer information and information about the inspection in the predefined fields.
- Click Import to import properties from a previously saved text file.
- Click Add to add a new property.
- Select a property and click Remove to remove a property.
- Click Export to export the current property settings to a text file.
To create the report with the displayed properties, click OK.
The report opens as a Microsoft Word document. The selected image(s) and the information entered in the Report Properties dialog box populate the corresponding placeholders in the report.
Once the report is generated, advanced analysis can be carried out using the features in the FLIR Word Add-in. For more information, see sections 18.2 Managing objects in the report and 19 Analyzing and editing images using the FLIR Report Studio‎Image Editor‎.

18 Working in the Microsoft Word‎ environment

18.1 FLIR Word Add-in‎ screen elements

18.1.1 FLIR tab

After installation of FLIR Tools/Tools+, the FLIR tab appears to the right of the standard tabs in the ribbon of your Microsoft Word documents.

Click New Report to create a new report. This starts the FLIR Report Studio wizard. For more information, see section 21 Creating reports using the FLIR Report Studio‎ wizard.
Click Thermal image to insert a thermal image object. A thermal image object is a placeholder that automatically loads a thermal image when a report is created. For more information, see section 18.2.2 Inserting a thermal image object.
Click Digital image to insert a digital image object. A digital image object is a placeholder for the visual image associated with a thermal image. For more information, see section 18.2.3 Inserting a digital image object.
Click Profile to insert a profile object. A profile object displays a profile plot for a line tool added to the associated thermal image. For more information, see section 18.2.4 Inserting a profile object.
Click Field to insert a field object. A field object is a placeholder that automatically displays information associated with a thermal image when a report is created. For more information, see section 18.2.5 Inserting a field object.
Click Table to insert a table object. A table object is a placeholder that automatically displays a table with certain information associated with a thermal image when a report is created. For more information, see section 18.2.6 Inserting a table object.
Click Report properties to insert a report properties object. A report properties object is a placeholder that automatically displays customer information and information about the inspection when a report is created. For more information, see section 18.2.7 Inserting a report properties object.
Select a thermal image and click Image Editor to edit the image. This starts the FLIR Report StudioImage Editor. For more information, see section 19 Analyzing and editing images using the FLIR Report Studio‎Image Editor‎.
Click the Create new template arrow and then do one of the following:
- Click Create new template to create a new report template by customizing a basic report template.
- Click Create from existing template to create a new report template by modifying an existing report template.
For more information, see section 20 Creating report templates.
Click the Settings arrow to display the Settings menu. For more information, see section 18.1.2 Settings menu.
In the Export group, click the arrow and then do one of the following:
- Click Flat DocX to export the report as a flat report. A flat report can still be edited using ordinary Microsoft Word features, but it is no longer possible to manage the image, field, and table objects.
- Click PDF to export the report as a non-editable PDF report.
For more information, see section 18.7 Exporting a report.
Click Formula manager to create a formula for advanced calculations on items in an infrared image. For more information, see section 18.4 Working with formulas.
(Available if you have not yet activated your FLIR Tools/Tools+ license.) Click to open the activation dialog box. For more information, see section .

18.1.2 Settings menu

The Settings menu includes the following commands:

Update page numbers. Click to update the page numbers for fields related to images.
Set units. Click to set the preferred temperature and distance units. For more information, see section 18.9 Changing the settings.
Select language. Click to select the language. For more information, see section 18.9 Changing the settings.
Template categories. (Available when creating a report template.) Click to select a category for the report template. For more information, see section 20.2.5 Selecting a template category.
Help. Click to display the Help menu, see section 18.1.2.1 Help menu.

18.1.2.1 Help menu

The Help includes the following commands:

Documentation. Click and select Online to view the latest help files from the internet or Offline to view the help files that are installed on your computer.
FLIR Store. Click to go to the FLIR Store website.
FLIR support Center. Click to go to the FLIR Support Center.
License information. Click to display the License Viewer.
Check for updates. Click to check for software updates. For more information, see section .
About. Click to display the current version of the FLIR Word Add-in.

18.2 Managing objects in the report

18.2.1 General

A report template contains placeholders for objects such as thermal images, digital photos, tables, report properties, etc.

When you create a report based on a report template, these placeholders are automatically populated based on the images you choose to include in the report. You can also insert additional objects and modify their properties after you have launched the report in Microsoft Word, as described in the sections below.

When you create your own report templates, see section 20 Creating report templates, you insert objects and define their properties according to the sections below.

18.2.2 Inserting a thermal image object

A thermal image object is a placeholder that automatically loads a thermal image when a report is created.

Follow this procedure:

Place the pointer where you want the thermal image to appear in the report.

On the FLIR tab, click Thermal image. This displays a thermal image placeholder on the page.

If you are modifying a report, you can open a thermal image in the placeholder. See section 18.2.9 Replacing an image.

If you are creating a report template, you can leave the placeholder as is, without opening any image.

18.2.3 Inserting a digital image object

A digital image object is a placeholder for the visual image associated with a thermal image.

Follow this procedure:

Place the pointer where you want the digital image to appear in the report.

On the FLIR tab, click Digital image.

If there is more than one thermal image in the report, the Choose Reference dialog box is displayed. Click the thermal image that the digital image you want to insert is associated with and click OK.

If there is only one thermal image in the report, the associated digital image will be inserted automatically.

A digital image placeholder is displayed on the page. The placeholder number refers to the associated thermal image.

18.2.4 Inserting a profile object

18.2.4.1 General

A profile object displays a profile plot for a line tool added to the associated thermal image. The profile plot shows how the temperature results vary over the line tool.

18.2.4.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Place the pointer where you want the profile object to appear in the report.

On the FLIR tab, click Profile.

If there is more than one image in the report, the Choose Reference dialog box is displayed. Click the image you want to use as the reference for the profile object, and click OK.

If there is only one image in the report, the field object will automatically be connected to that image.

If you are creating a report template, the profile object placeholder is displayed.

If you are modifying a report and no line tool has been added to the image, an empty profile object is displayed. Double-click the profile object to start the Image Editor and add one or several line tools to the image, see section 19.5.2 Adding a measurement tool.

If you are modifying a report and a line tool is already added to the image, the profile object with the plot is displayed.

To modify the profile object settings, do the following:

Right-click the profile object and select Profile settings.
In the General tab, you can select view settings and the following types of temperature scales for the plot:
- IR Scale: Uses the same temperature scale as in the image.
- Auto: Uses the minimum and maximum measured temperatures of the line as the minimum and maximum values for the temperature scale.
- Fixed: Uses manually entered minimum and maximum values for the temperature scale.
In the Style tab, you can select plot, grid, and line settings.

18.2.5 Inserting a field object

18.2.5.1 General

A field object is a placeholder that automatically displays information associated with a thermal image when a report is created.

A field object consists of a label and a value, e.g., Bx1 Average 42.3 ℃. You can choose to display only the value in the report, e.g., 42.3 ℃.

18.2.5.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Place the pointer where you want the field object to appear in the report.

On the FLIR tab, click Field.

If there is more than one image in the report, the Choose Reference dialog box is displayed. Click the image you want to use as the reference when populating the field object, and click OK.

If there is only one image in the report, the field object will automatically be connected to that image.

The Insert Field dialog box is displayed.

Use the GROUP and FIELD panes to select the content you want the field object to display. A preview of the field object (label and value) is displayed in the dialog box.

Do one of the following:

Select the Insert title check box to display the label and the value in the report.
Clear the Insert title check box to display only the value in the report.

Click OK.

The field object with the content you have selected is displayed in the report.

18.2.6 Inserting a table object

18.2.6.1 General

A table object is a placeholder that automatically displays a table with certain information associated with a thermal image when a report is created.

The following table objects are available:

Measurements.
Parameters.
METERLiNK.
Geolocation.
Camera Info.
File Info.
Text Annotations.
Notes.
Formulas.

In addition to the built-in table objects, you can create your own table objects. For more information, see section 18.2.6.3 Creating a custom table object.

You can also insert a summary table, including information about all thermal images in the report. For more information, see section 18.2.6.4 Inserting a summary table.

18.2.6.2 Inserting a table object

Follow this procedure:

Place the pointer where you want the table object to appear in the report.

On the FLIR tab, click Table.

If there is more than one image in the report, the Choose Reference dialog box is displayed. Click the image you want to use as the reference when populating the table object, and click OK.

If there is only one image in the report, the table object will automatically be connected to that image.

The Insert Table dialog box is displayed.

Use the TABLE and TABLE ITEMS panes to select the content you want the table object to display.

Note

You can only insert table items from the same type of table. To create a table with table items from different tables, you must create a Custom table. For more information, see section 18.2.6.3 Creating a custom table object .
To insert a formula table object, you must first create a formula. For more information, see section 18.4 Working with formulas .

A structural preview of the table is displayed in the dialog box. To change the order of the table items, click a row in the preview and then click the arrow button icon or icon .

Do one of the following:

Select the Insert header check box to display the table with a header in the report.
Clear the Insert header check box to display the table without a header in the report.

Click OK.

The table object with the content you have selected is displayed in the report.

18.2.6.3 Creating a custom table object

If the built-in table objects do not meet your needs, you can create your own table objects.

Follow this procedure:

Place the pointer where you want the table object to appear in the report.

On the FLIR tab, click Table.

If there is more than one image in the report, the Choose Reference dialog box is displayed. Click the image you want to use as the reference when populating the table object, and click OK.

If there is only one image in the report, the table object will automatically be connected to that image.

The Insert Table dialog box is displayed.

Click the Create button.

The Add/EditTable dialog box is displayed.

In the Table name text box, enter the name of your table.

Use the GROUP and FIELD panes to select the content you want to display. To include an item in the table, do one of the following:

Click the item in the FIELD pane and then click the Add button.
Double-click the item in the FIELD pane.
Hover over the item in the FIELD pane and then click the displayed button.

A structural preview of the table is displayed in the dialog box. To change the order of the table items, click a row in the preview and then click the arrow button icon or icon .

To remove a table item, do one of the following:

Click the row in the preview and then click the Remove button.
Hover over the item in the preview and then click the displayed button.

Click OK.

The Insert Table dialog box is displayed. In the TABLE pane, your table is displayed under Custom.

In the Insert Table dialog box, you can do the following:

To edit a custom table, click the table in the TABLE pane and then click the Edit button.
To delete a custom table, click the table in the TABLE pane and then click the Remove button.
To import a custom table, click the Import button.
To export a custom table, click the table in the TABLE pane and then click the Export button.

Do one of the following:

Select the Insert header check box to display the table with a header in the report.
Clear the Insert header check box to display the table without a header in the report.

Click OK.

The table object with the content you have selected is displayed in the report.

18.2.6.4 Inserting a summary table

A summary table object is a placeholder that automatically displays a table with certain information on all of the thermal images in the report.

Follow this procedure:

Place the pointer where you want the summary table to appear in the report.

On the FLIR tab, click the Table arrow. This displays a menu.

On the menu, click Summary table.

The Choose Summary Fields dialog box is displayed.

In the Choose Summary Fields dialog box, the displayed Fields are the ones that are available in the report as field objects or items in a table object. To add other field objects, click Add. This displays the Insert Field dialog box.

You can, for example, add the Page number field object, which will show the page where the data is displayed in the report. To do this, select File Info in the GROUP pane, select Page number in the FIELD pane and click OK.

In the Choose Summary Fields dialog box, select the labels you want the summary table object to display.

To change the order of the table items, click a row and then click the arrow button icon or icon .

Click OK.

The summary table object with the content you have selected is displayed in the report.

18.2.7 Inserting a report properties object

A report properties object is a placeholder that automatically displays customer information and information about the inspection when a report is created.

Follow this procedure:

Place the pointer where you want the report properties object to appear in the report.

On the FLIR tab, click Report Properties.

The Insert Report Properties dialog box is displayed.

In the Insert Report Properties dialog box, you can do the following:

To select the items you want the report properties object to display, use the check boxes.
To change the item name, enter text in the Name text box.
To change the item value, enter text in the Value text box.
To add a new table item, click the Add button. Enter text in the Name and Value text boxes.
To change the order of the table items, click a row and then click the arrow button or .
To add default table items, click the Create default button.

Click OK.

A table with the content you have selected is displayed in the report.

You can edit the content of the report properties object using ordinary Microsoft Word features.

18.2.8 Resizing objects

18.2.8.1 Resizing an image or profile object

Follow this procedure:

Click an image or profile object on the report page.

Right-click the object and select Resize.

To change the size of the object, drag one of the handles.

18.2.8.2 Resizing a table object

Follow this procedure:

Select a table object on the report page.

On the Table Tools tab, click the Layout tab and use the controls to change the size of the table.

18.2.9 Replacing an image

You can replace an image in the report, while keeping all connections to other objects.

Follow this procedure:

Right-click an image object and select Replace Image.

In the Open dialog box, locate and open a new image.

18.2.10 Deleting objects

18.2.10.1 Deleting an image or profile object

Follow this procedure:

Click an image or profile object on the report page.

A label is displayed above the image or profile. Click the label to select the entire object.

Press the Delete key on your keyboard.

18.2.10.2 Deleting a field object

Follow this procedure:

Click a field object on the report page.

A label is displayed above the object. Click the label to select the entire object.

Press the Delete key on your keyboard.

18.2.10.3 Deleting a table object

Follow this procedure:

Click a table object on the report page.

On the Microsoft Word context-sensitive tab Table Tools, click the Layout tab and then click the Delete button. This displays a menu.

On the menu, click Delete Table.

18.3 Editing an image

You can edit thermal images directly from the report using the FLIR Report StudioImage Editor.

Follow this procedure:

To edit an image, do one of the following:

Click the image. On the FLIR tab, click Image Editor).
Right-click the image and select Edit Image.
Double-click the image.

This opens the FLIR Report StudioImage Editor. For more information, see section 19 Analyzing and editing images using the FLIR Report Studio‎Image Editor‎.

18.4 Working with formulas

18.4.1 General

The FLIR Word Add-in allows you to carry out advanced calculations on various items in the infrared image. A formula can contain all common mathematical operators and functions (+, –, ×, ÷, etc). Also, numerical constants such as π can be used.

Most importantly, references to measurement results, other formulas, and other numerical data can be inserted into formulas.

The formulas you create will be available in the FLIR Word Add-in and can be inserted in field and table objects in future reports.

You can export a formula to a text file. This text file can, for example, be sent to another computer and will after import be available in the FLIR Word Add-in on that computer. For more information, see section 18.4.4 Exporting and importing formulas.

A formula can operate only on a single infrared image: it cannot calculate, for example, differences between two infrared images.
You can use any existing METERLiNK data in the infrared image as a value in a formula, in the same way as you would use an infrared measurement value. METERLiNK data can be stored in the infrared image by using an external FLIR/Extech meter—such as a clamp meter or a moisture meter—together with the infrared camera.

18.4.2 Creating a simple formula

Creating a formula that calculates the temperature difference between two spots

In your report, insert a thermal image object, see section 18.2.2 Inserting a thermal image object.

Open an image in the Image Editor, see section 18.3 Editing an image.

Add two spot tools in the image, see section 19.5.2 Adding a measurement tool.

On the FLIR tab, click Formula manager.

The Formula manager dialog box is displayed. Click the Create button.

The Create formula dialog box is displayed. Click the field button.

The Select field and entry dialog box is displayed.

Do the following:

In the GROUP pane, click Spotmeters.
In the ENTRY pane, click Sp2.
In the FIELD pane, click Temperature.
Click OK.

In the Create formula dialog box, click the minus button to add a subtraction mathematical operator.

Click the field button. Repeat step 7 for spot Sp1.

The Create formula dialog box now displays the temperature difference formula using FLIR Systems syntax.

In the Label text box, enter the text you want to be displayed with the formula result in the report. In the Precision box, enter the number of decimal places for the formula result.

In the Create formula dialog box, click OK.

In the Formula manager dialog box, click OK.

The created temperature difference formula can now be inserted in the field and table objects in the report.

18.4.3 Creating a conditional formula

For some applications, you may, for example, want to display the result of a calculation in a green font color if the result is lower than a critical value, and in a red font color if the result is higher than the critical value. You do this by creating a conditional formula using the IF statement.

The procedure below describes how you set up a conditional formula that displays the result from a temperature difference formula in red if the value is higher than 2.0 degrees, and in green if the value is lower than 2.0 degrees.

Creating a conditional formula using the IF statement

Create a formula that calculates the temperature difference between two spots, see section 18.4.2 Creating a simple formula.

On the FLIR tab, click Formula manager.

The Formula manager dialog box is displayed. Click the Create button.

The Create formula dialog box is displayed. Click the IF button.

The Create ‘IF’ formula dialog box is displayed. Click the Add... button.

A dialog box is displayed.

Do the following:

Under Left value, click the ... button. This displays the Select field and entry dialog box. In the GROUP pane, click Formulas. In the FIELD pane, select the temperature difference formula. Click OK.
In the Operator drop-down list, select >.
In the Right value text box, enter 2.0.
Click OK.

In the Create ‘IF’ formula dialog box, do the following:

On the Value if TRUE row, click the ... button and select the temperature difference formula.
On the Value if TRUE row, click the Auto button and select the color red.
On the Value if FALSE row, click the ... button and select the temperature difference formula.
On the Value if FALSE row, click the Auto button and select the color green.
Click OK.

The Create formula dialog box now displays the complete conditional formula. The two 10-digit code strings after the equals sign represent the colors.

In the Label text box, enter the text you want to be displayed with the formula result in the report. In the Precision box, enter the number of decimal places for the formula result.

In the Create formula dialog box, click OK.

In the Formula manager dialog box, click OK.

The created conditional formula can now be inserted in the field and table objects in the report. The result of the temperature difference formula will be displayed in red or green, depending on the measured values of the two spotmeters.

18.4.4 Exporting and importing formulas

You can export one or more formulas to a text file. This text file can, for example, be sent to another computer and then be imported to the FLIR Word Add-in on that computer.

On the FLIR tab, click Formula manager.

The Formula manager dialog box is displayed.

In the Formula manager dialog box, do one of the following:

To import formula(s) from a text file, click the Import button.
To export one or more formulas to a text file, select the formulas and click the Export button.

18.5 Document properties

18.5.1 General

When creating an infrared report, the FLIR program extracts the Microsoft Word document properties for the report template and inserts these properties into corresponding Microsoft Word fields in the final report.

You can use these document properties to automate several time-consuming tasks when creating a report. For example, you may want to automatically add information such as the name, address, and e-mail address of the inspection site, the model name of the camera that you are using, and your e-mail address.

See also section 18.2.7 Inserting a report properties object.

18.5.2 Types of document properties

There are two different types of document properties:

Summary document properties.
Custom document properties.

For the former, you can only change the values, but for the latter you can change both the labels and the values.

18.5.3 Creating and editing Microsoft Word‎ document properties

Creating and editing document properties

Start the FLIR Report Studio wizard. In the center pane, right-click one of the report templates and select Edit. This opens the report template (*.dotx) in Microsoft Word.

On the File tab, click Info.

From the Properties drop-down menu, select Advanced Properties.

On the Summary tab, enter your information in the appropriate text boxes.

Click the Custom tab.

To add a custom property, type a name in the Name box. To make your custom properties easy to find, you can type an underscore ( _ ) as the first character in the name of the property.

Use the Type box to specify the type of property.

To specify the value of the property, type it in the Value box.

Click Add to add the custom property to the list of properties, and then click OK.

Save the infrared report template using a different filename but with the same filename extension (*.dotx). You have now added summary and custom properties to your renamed infrared report template.

18.6 Creating a report

You can easily and efficiently create an infrared report using the FLIR Report Studio wizard.

Follow this procedure:

On the FLIR tab, click New report.

This opens the FLIR Report Studio wizard. For more information, see section 21 Creating reports using the FLIR Report Studio‎ wizard.

18.7 Exporting a report

Before you send the infrared report to your client, you can export it in one of the following formats:

Flat DocX: This exports the report as a flat report with the suffix “_flat”. A flat report can still be edited using ordinary Microsoft Word features, but it is no longer possible to manage the image, field, and table objects.
PDF: This exports the report as a non-editable PDF report.

Follow this procedure:

On the FLIR tab, in the Export group, click the arrow. This displays a menu.

On the menu, select Flat DocX or PDF.

18.8 Creating a report template

You can create your own report templates using the FLIR Report StudioTemplate Editor.

Follow this procedure:

On the FLIR tab, click Create new template.

This opens the FLIR Report StudioTemplate Editor. For more information, see section 20 Creating report templates.

18.9 Changing the settings

You can change the units and language settings.

Follow this procedure:

On the FLIR tab, click Settings. This displays a menu.

On the menu, do the following:

To change the units, click Set units . This displays a dialog box, where you can set the temperature and distance units. If a unit has not been specified in the report template, default or not set is marked.
To change the language, click Select language. This displays a dialog box, where you can set the language

18.10 Help menu

The Help menu includes links to support and training sources, license information, check for updates, etc.

The Help menu is available on the FLIR tab under Settings.

19 Analyzing and editing images using the FLIR Report Studio‎Image Editor‎

19.1 General

The FLIR Report StudioImage Editor is a powerful tool for analyzing and editing infrared images.

These are some of the functions and settings you can experiment with:

Adding measurement tools.
Adjusting the infrared image.
Changing the color distribution.
Changing the color palette.
Changing the image modes.
Working with color alarms and isotherms.
Changing the measurement parameters.

19.2 Starting the Image Editor‎

You can start the Image Editor from an editable (radiometric) infrared report using the FLIR Word Add-in.

You can also start the Image Editor from the FLIR Report Studio wizard.

19.2.1 Starting the Image Editor‎ from the FLIR Word Add-in‎

You can start the Image Editor from an editable infrared report.

Follow this procedure:

Do one of the following:

Double-click an image in the report.
Select an image and click Image Editor on the FLIR tab.
Right-click an image and select Edit Image.

19.2.2 Starting the Image Editor‎ from the FLIR Report Studio‎ wizard

Follow this procedure:

Do one of the following:

In the center pane, double-click an image.
In the right pane, double-click an image.

19.3 Image Editor‎ screen elements

19.3.1 Figure

19.3.2 Explanation

Measurement toolbar.
Image mode toolbar.
Temperature scale.
Thumbnail view of the infrared image.
Thumbnail view of the digital photo (if available).
Results and information tabs:
- Properties.
- Profile.
Results and information pane (Properties tab):
- Note.
- Measurements.
- Parameters.
- Annotations.
- Image information.
Close button.
Save button.
Auto-adjust button.
Navigation buttons. Click the buttons to go to the previous/next image.
Zoom setting button. Click the button and select one of the predefined zoom settings.
Zoom button. Click the button to display the zoom-in and zoom-out buttons.
Pan button. Click the button and then drag the image to pan a zoomed-in image.

19.4 Basic image editing functions

19.4.1 Rotating the image

Follow this procedure:

On the measurement toolbar, select icon (Rotate image and measurements). This displays a toolbar.

On the toolbar, do one of the following:

Click to rotate the image counter-clockwise.
Click to rotate the image clockwise.

19.4.2 Cropping the image

You can crop an image and save the cropped image as a copy of the original image.

Follow this procedure:

On the measurement toolbar, select icon (Crop). This displays a box on the image.

Select the crop region by moving and adjusting the size of the box.

In the crop region box, do one of the following:

Click to crop the image. This opens the Save as dialog box.
Click to cancel the crop action.

19.5 Working with measurement tools

19.5.1 General

To measure a temperature, you can use one or more measurement tools, e.g., a spot, box, circle, or line.

When you add a measurement tool to the image, the measured temperature will be displayed in the right pane of the Image Editor. The tool setup will also be saved to the image file and the measured temperature will be available for display in your infrared report.

19.5.2 Adding a measurement tool

Follow this procedure:

On the measurement toolbar, select one of the following:

Select (Add spot) to add a spot.
Select (Add box) to add a box.
Select (Add ellipse) to add a ellipse.
Select (Add line) to add a line.

Click the location on the image where the measurement tool is to be placed.

19.5.3 Moving and resizing a measurement tool

Follow this procedure:

On the measurement toolbar, select icon (Selection).

To move a measurement tool, select the tool on the image and drag it to a new position.

To resize a measurement tool, select the tool on the image and use the selection tool to drag the handles that are displayed around the frame of the tool.

19.5.4 Displaying a profile plot

19.5.4.1 General

A profile plot displays how the temperature results vary over a line tool.

19.5.4.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Add one or several line tools to the image, see section 19.5.2 Adding a measurement tool.

Click the Profile tab. This displays the profile plot in the right pane.

In the right pane, you can select the following types of temperature scales for the plot:

IR Scale: Uses the same temperature scale as in the image.
Auto: Uses the minimum and maximum measured temperatures of the line as the minimum and maximum values for the temperature scale.
Fixed: Uses manually entered minimum and maximum values for the temperature scale.

In the right pane, select the icon check box to reverse the start and end points of the line.

19.5.5 Creating local markers for a measurement tool

19.5.5.1 General

The Image Editor will respect any existing markers for a measurement tool as set up in the camera. However, sometimes you may want to add a marker when analyzing the image. You do this by using local markers.

19.5.5.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the measurement toolbar, select icon (Selection).

Right-click the tool and select Local max/min/avg markers.

In the dialog box, select or clear the markers you want to add or remove.

Click OK.

19.5.6 Calculating areas

19.5.6.1 General

The distance included in the image parameter data can be used as the basis for area calculations. A typical application is to estimate the size of a damp stain on a wall.

To calculate the area of a surface, you need to add a box or circle measurement tool to the image. The Image Editor calculates the area of the surface enclosed by the box or circle tool. The calculation is an estimate of the surface area, based on the distance value.

19.5.6.1.1 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Add a box or circle measurement tool, see section 19.5.2 Adding a measurement tool.

Adjust the size of the box or circle tool to the size of the object, see section 19.5.3 Moving and resizing a measurement tool.

Right-click the tool and select Local max/min/avg markers. In the dialog box, select the Area check box. This displays the calculated area, based on the distance value, in the MEASUREMENTS pane.

To change the distance value, click the value field in the PARAMETERS pane, type a new value and press Enter. The recalculated area, based on the new distance value, is displayed in the MEASUREMENTS pane.

19.5.6.1.2 Calculating lengths

19.5.6.1.2.1 General

The distance included in the image parameter data can be used as the basis for length calculations.

To calculate the length, you need to add a line measurement tool to the image. The Image Editor calculates an estimate of the line length, based on the distance value.

19.5.6.1.2.1.1 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Add a line measurement tool, see section 19.5.2 Adding a measurement tool.

Adjust the size of the line tool to the size of the object, see section 19.5.3 Moving and resizing a measurement tool.

Right-click the tool and select Local max/min/avg markers. In the dialog box, select the Length check box. This displays the calculated length, based on the distance value, in the MEASUREMENTS pane.

19.5.7 Setting up a difference calculation

19.5.7.1 General

A difference calculation gives the difference (delta) between two temperatures—for example, two spots, or a spot and the maximum temperature in the image.

19.5.7.2 Procedure

19.5.7.2.1 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the measurement toolbar, select icon (Add delta).

The difference calculation is displayed under MEASUREMENTS in the right pane.

To change the setup for the difference calculation, do the following:

In the right pane, click (Edit). This displays a dialog box.
In the dialog box, select the measurement tools and what values (maximum, minimum, or average) you want to use in the difference calculation. You can also select a fixed-temperature reference.

To delete the difference calculation, click icon (Delete).

19.5.8 Deleting a measurement tool

Follow this procedure:

On the measurement toolbar, select icon (Selection).

Select the measurement tool on the image and do one of the following:

Press the Delete key on your keyboard.
Right-click the tool and select Delete.

19.6 Adjusting the infrared image

19.6.1 General

An infrared image can be adjusted manually or automatically.

In the Image Editor, you can manually change the top and bottom levels in the temperature scale. This makes it easier to analyze the image. You can, for example, change the temperature scale to values close to the temperature of a specific object in the image. This will make it possible to detect anomalies and smaller temperature differences in the part of the image of interest.

When auto-adjusting an image, the Image Editor adjusts the image for the best image brightness and contrast. This means that the color information is distributed over the existing temperatures of the image.

In some situations, the image may contain very hot or cold areas outside your area of interest. In such cases you will want to exclude those areas when auto-adjusting the image and use the color information only for the temperatures in your area of interest. You can do so by defining an auto-adjust region.

19.6.2 Example 1

Automatic

Manual

19.6.3 Example 2

Automatic

Manual

19.6.4 Changing the temperature levels

Follow this procedure:

To change the top level in the temperature scale, drag the top slider up or down.

To change the bottom level in the temperature scale, drag the bottom slider up or down.

19.6.5 Auto-adjusting the image

Follow this procedure:

To auto-adjust the image, click Auto.

19.6.6 Defining an auto-adjust region

An auto-adjust region sets the top and bottom levels in the temperature scale to the maximum and minimum temperatures in that area. By using the color information only for the relevant temperatures, you will get more details in your area of interest.

Follow this procedure:

On the measurement toolbar, select icon (Set auto adjust region).

Use the displayed tool to create a region. This region can be moved and resized to suit your area of interest.

To delete the auto-adjust area, select the region and do one of the following:

Press the Delete key on your keyboard.
Right-click the region and select Delete.

19.7 Changing the color distribution

19.7.1 General

You can change the distribution of colors in an image. A different color distribution can make it easier to analyze the image more thoroughly.

19.7.2 Definitions

You can choose from the following color distributions:

Temperature Linear: This is an image-displaying method where the color information in the image is distributed linearly to the temperature values of the pixels.
Histogram Equalization: This is an image-displaying method that distributes the color information over the existing temperatures of the image. This method of distributing the information can be particularly successful when the image contains few peaks at very high temperature values.
Signal Linear: This is an image-displaying method where the color information in the image is distributed linearly to the signal values of the pixels.
Digital Detail Enhancement: This is an image-displaying method where high-frequency content in the image, such as edges and corners, are enhanced to increase the visibility of details.

19.7.3 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Right-click the image and select Color distribution. This displays a menu.

On the menu, select one of the following:

Temperature Linear.
Histogram Equalization.
Signal Linear.
Digital Detail Enhancement.

19.8 Changing the color palette

19.8.1 General

You can change the palette that is used to display the different temperatures within an image. A different palette can make it easier to analyze the image.

Color palette	Image example
Artic
Cool
Gray
Iron
Lava
Rainbow
Rainbow HC
Warm

19.8.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the measurement toolbar, select icon (Color). This displays a menu.

On the menu, click the palette you want to use.

19.9 Changing the image modes

19.9.1 General

For some images you can change the image mode.

19.9.2 Types of image modes

Image mode	Image example
Thermal MSX (Multi Spectral Dynamic Imaging): This mode displays an infrared image where the edges of the objects are enhanced. The thermal/photo balance can be adjusted.
Thermal: This mode displays a fully infrared image.
Thermal Fusion: This mode displays a digital photo where some parts are displayed in infrared, depending on the temperature limits.
Thermal Blending: The camera displays a blended image that uses a mix of infrared pixels and digital photo pixels. The thermal/photo balance can be adjusted.
Picture in picture: This mode displays an infrared image frame on top of a digital photo.
Digital camera: This mode displays a fully digital photo.

19.9.3 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the image mode toolbar, select one of the following:

(Thermal MSX).
(Thermal).
(Thermal Fusion).
(Thermal Blending).
(Picture in picture).
(Digital camera).

Applicable to the Thermal MSX and Thermal Blending modes: To adjust the thermal/photo balance, click the arrow next to the image mode icon and drag the slider left or right.

Applicable to the Digital camera mode: To change the image to grayscale, click the arrow next to the image mode icon and select the check box.

19.10 Working with color alarms and isotherms

19.10.1 General

By using color alarms (isotherms), anomalies can easily be discovered in an infrared image. The isotherm command applies a contrasting color to all pixels with a temperature above, below, or between the set temperature levels. There are also alarm types that are specific to the building trade: humidity and insulation alarms.

You can select the following types of color alarms:

Above alarm: This will apply a contrasting color to all pixels with a temperature above the specified temperature level.
Below alarm: This will apply a contrasting color to all pixels with a temperature below the specified temperature level.
Interval alarm: This will apply a contrasting color to all pixels with a temperature between two specified temperature levels.
Humidity alarm: Triggers when a surface where the relative humidity exceeds a preset value is detected.
Insulation alarm: Triggers when there is an insulation deficiency in a wall.
Custom alarm: This alarm type allows you to manually modify the settings for a standard alarm.

Setting parameters for the activated color alarm are displayed under ALARM in the right pane.

19.10.2 Image examples

This table explains the different color alarms (isotherms).

Color alarm	Image
Above alarm
Below alarm
Interval alarm
Humidity alarm
Insulation alarm

19.10.3 Setting up above and below alarms

Follow this procedure:

On the measurement toolbar, select icon (Color). This displays a menu.

On the menu, select one of the following:

Above alarm.
Below alarm.

In the right pane, take note of the parameter Limit. Areas in the image with a temperature above or below this temperature will be colorized with the isotherm color. You can change this limit, and also change the isotherm color on the Color menu.

19.10.4 Setting up an interval alarm

Follow this procedure:

On the measurement toolbar, select icon (Color). This displays a menu.

On the menu, select Interval alarm.

In the right pane, take note of the parameters Upper limit and Lower limit. Areas in the image with a temperature between these two temperatures will be colorized with the isotherm color. You can change these limits, and also change the isotherm color on the Color menu.

19.10.5 Setting up a humidity alarm

19.10.5.1 General

The humidity alarm (isotherm) can detect areas where there is a risk of mold growing, or where there is a risk of the humidity falling out as liquid water (i.e., the dew point).

19.10.5.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the measurement toolbar, select icon (Color). This displays a menu.

On the menu, select Humidity alarm. Depending on your object, certain areas will now be colorized with an isotherm color.

In the right pane, take note of the parameter Calculated limit. This is the temperature at which there is a risk of humidity. If the parameter Relative humidity limit is set to 100%, this is also the dew point, i.e., the temperature at which the humidity falls out as liquid water.

19.10.6 Setting up an insulation alarm

19.10.6.1 General

The insulation alarm (isotherm) can detect areas where there may be an insulation deficiency in the building. It will trigger when the insulation level falls below a preset value of the energy leakage through the building structure—the so-called thermal index.

Different building codes recommend different values for the thermal index, but typical values are 0.6–0.8 for new buildings. Refer to your national building code for recommendations.

19.10.6.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the measurement toolbar, select icon (Color). This displays a menu.

On the menu, select Insulation alarm. Depending on your object, certain areas will now be colorized with an isotherm color.

In the right pane, take note of the parameter Calculated insulation. This is the temperature where the insulation level falls below a preset value of the energy leakage through the building structure.

19.10.7 Setting up a custom alarm

19.10.7.1 General

A custom alarm is an alarm of any of the following types:

Above alarm.
Below alarm.
Interval alarm.
Humidity alarm.
Insulation alarm.

For these custom alarms, you can specify a number of different parameters manually, compared with using the standard alarms:

Background.
Colors (semi-transparent or solid colors).
Inverted color (for the Interval isotherm only).

19.10.7.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the measurement toolbar, select icon (Color). This displays a menu.

On the menu, select Custom alarm.

In the right pane, specify the following parameters:

For Above and Below:
- Background.
- Limit.
- Color.
For Interval:
- Background.
- Upper limit.
- Lower limit.
- Color.
- Inverted interval.
For Humidity:
- Background.
- Relative humidity.
- Relative humidity limit.
- Atmospheric temperature.
- Color.
For Insulation:
- Background.
- Indoor temperature.
- Outdoor temperature.
- Insulation factor (0–1).
- Color.

19.11 Changing the local parameters for a measurement tool

19.11.1 General

For accurate measurements, it is important to set the measurement parameters. The measurement parameters stored with the image are displayed in the right pane, under PARAMETERS.

In some situations you may want to change a measurement (object) parameter for one measurement tool only. The reason for this could be that the measurement tool is in front of a significantly more reflective surface than other surfaces in the image, or over an object that is further away than the rest of the objects in the image, and so on.

For more information about object parameters, see section 27 Thermographic measurement techniques.

The following indicators are used when local parameters are activated for a measurement tool:

In the image, an asterisk (*) is displayed next to the measurement tool.
In the result table of the Image Editor, an icon is displayed next to the measurement value.
In result fields and tables in infrared reports, an asterisk (*) is displayed and the local parameter values are included in brackets.

19.11.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

On the measurement toolbar, select icon (Selection).

Right-click the tool and select Local parameters.

In the dialog box, select Use local parameters.

Enter a value for one or more parameters.

Click OK.

19.12 Working with annotations

19.12.1 General

You can save additional information with an infrared image by using annotations. Annotations make reporting and post-processing more efficient, by providing essential information about the image, e.g., conditions and information about where an image is taken.

Some cameras allow you to add annotations directly in the camera, e.g., notes (image descriptions), text, voice, and sketch annotations. These annotations (if available) are displayed in the right pane of the Image Editor. You can also add notes (image descriptions) and text annotations to images using the Image Editor.

19.12.2 About image descriptions

19.12.2.1 What is an image description?

An image description is a brief free-form textual description that is stored in an infrared image file. It uses a standard tag in the *.jpg file format and can be retrieved by other software.

In the Image Editor and FLIR cameras, the image description is called Note.

19.12.2.1.1 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

In the right pane, type the image description in the field under NOTE.

19.12.3 About text annotations

19.12.3.1 What is a text annotation?

19.12.3.2 Creating a text annotation for an image

Follow this procedure:

Under TEXT ANNOTATIONS in the right pane, do one of the following:

Click

. This adds a text annotation row. Repeat to add more rows.

Click . This opens the Text annotations dialog box.

Enter the desired labels and values. See the image below for examples.

20 Creating report templates

20.1 General

FLIR Report Studio ships with several different report templates (Microsoft Word *.dotx files). If these templates do not meet your needs, you can create your own custom infrared report templates.

20.1.1 Few or many report templates?

It is not uncommon for a specific template to always be used for a particular customer. If this is the case, you may want to include your customer’s company-specific information in the template, rather than entering it manually after the infrared report has been generated.

However, if infrared reports for several of your customers could be created using one template, or perhaps just a few, company-specific information should probably not be included in the template, since that kind of information can easily be entered when generating the report.

20.1.2 Typical structure

An infrared report template usually consists of the following types of sections:

INTRO: The front cover that, for example, can include your company logo and elements of corporate identity, the title of the report, the customer’s name and address, a summary table, and any additional artwork or information that you want to include.
DATA: A number of different pages, containing combinations of thermal image objects, digital image objects, field objects, table objects, etc. Multiple DATA sections with different types of content, e.g., “IR only”, Visual only”, ”Two IR”, and “Two IR+Visual”, can be included.
FINAL: Your conclusions, recommendations, diagnosis, and summary description.

20.1.3 A note about working in the Microsoft Word‎ environment

Due to the fact that the FLIR Word Add-in is an add-in to Microsoft Word, the existing features you usually use when creating a Microsoft Word document template can be used when creating your report templates.

The FLIR Word Add-in adds a number of commands that are specific to the area of infrared imaging and reporting. These commands are available on the FLIR tab. You use these features, along with the usual Microsoft Word features, when you create infrared report templates.

20.2 Creating a custom infrared report template

You can create a report template in different ways:

Customize a basic report template.
Modify an existing report template.

20.2.1 Customizing a basic report template

Follow this procedure:

Open a basic report template by doing one of the following:

On the FLIR tab in a Microsoft Word document, click Create new template.
In the Template window in the FLIR Report Studio wizard, click in the upper part of the center pane.

A report template with basic layout opens, including the INTRO, DATA, and FINAL sections.

You can add more DATA sections to the template. For more information, see section 20.2.4 Adding multiple DATA sections.

Insert content in the report template, following the instructions in the document. You can use existing features in Microsoft Word and also add and remove objects and modify the properties of the objects as described in section 18.2 Managing objects in the report.

You can select a category for the report template. When saved, the report template will appear under the selected category in the left pane of the FLIR Report Studio wizard. For more information, see section 20.2.5 Selecting a template category.

Save the new infrared report template. Make sure that you save the template with the *.dotx file name extension.

Click OK.

20.2.2 Modifying an existing template—starting from the FLIR Word Add-in‎

Follow this procedure:

Start Microsoft Word, but make sure that all infrared reports are closed.

On the FLIR tab, click the Create new template arrow. This displays a menu.

On the menu, click Create from existing template.

This displays the Select Template window.

In the left pane, select All Templates to display all of the templates available in FLIR Report Studio.

In the center pane, click a report template. A preview of each page in the selected report template will be displayed in the right pane.

To edit the selected template, click OK at the bottom of the window.

Make your changes to the original template by adding and removing objects and by modifying the properties of the objects as described in section 18.2 Managing objects in the report.

You can add more DATA sections to the template. For more information, see section 20.2.4 Adding multiple DATA sections.

Save the new infrared report template. Make sure that you save the template with the *.dotx file name extension.

20.2.3 Modifying an existing template—starting from the FLIR Report Studio‎ wizard

Follow this procedure:

Start the FLIR Report Studio wizard.

In the left pane, select All Templates to display all of the templates available in FLIR Report Studio.

In the center pane, click a report template. A preview of each page in the selected report template will be displayed in the right pane.

To continue with the selected template, click icon in the upper part of the center pane.

Make your changes to the original template by adding and removing objects and by modifying the properties of the objects as described in section 18.2 Managing objects in the report.

You can add more DATA sections to the template. For more information, see section 20.2.4 Adding multiple DATA sections.

Save the new infrared report template. Make sure that you save the template with the *.dotx file name extension.

20.2.4 Adding multiple DATA sections

You can add one or more new DATA sections to the report template, with different types of content, e.g., “IR only”, Visual only”, ”Two IR”, and “Two IR+Visual”.

When using a template with multiple DATA sections in the FLIR Report Studio wizard, a drop-down list is displayed, allowing you to select which section to add images to, see section .

Follow this procedure:

In the FLIR Task Pane, right-click the DATA section and select Add Template Part.

In the Insert template part dialog box, enter the name of the new section.

When completed, click OK.

To change the order of the DATA sections, drag and drop a section in the FLIR Task Pane.

For each DATA section, add thermal and/or digital image objects, field objects, table objects, etc. For more information, see section 18.2 Managing objects in the report.

20.2.5 Selecting a template category

You can select one or more categories for the report template.

When saved and imported to the FLIR Report Studio wizard, the report template will appear under the selected category in the left pane of the wizard, see section .

Follow this procedure:

On the FLIR tab, click the Settings arrow. This displays a menu. On the menu, select Template categories.

In the Select Template Categories dialog box, click the Create default button. To create a new category, click the Add button.

Select one or more categories.

When completed, click OK.

21 Creating reports using the FLIR Report Studio‎ wizard

21.1 General

The FLIR Report Studio wizard allows you to easily and efficiently generate reports. The wizard gives you the opportunity to fine tune and adjust your report before it is created. You can choose different report templates, add images, edit images, move images up and down, and add report properties such as customer information and information about the inspection.

Using the FLIR Report Studio wizard is the easiest way to create a report. However, you can also create a report from a blank Microsoft Word document, by adding and removing objects and by modifying the properties of the objects as described in section 18.2 Managing objects in the report.

21.2 Types of reports

You can create the following types of reports using the FLIR Report Studio wizard:

A compressed report: This is a report in the *.docx file format that contains infrared images, any associated visual images, and result tables. The report can be edited using ordinary Microsoft Word features, but no radiometric data is included.
An editable report: This is an advanced report in the *.docx file format that contains infrared images, any associated visual images, and result tables. In addition to basic editing, advanced radiometric analysis can be carried out using the FLIR Word Add-in features in Microsoft Word.

FLIR Report Studio ships with a number of report templates. You can also create your own templates, see section 20 Creating report templates.

21.3 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Start the FLIR Report Studio wizard by doing one of the following:

Select FLIR Report Studio from the Start menu (Start > All Programs > FLIR Systems > FLIR Report Studio).
On the FLIR tab in a Microsoft Word document, click New Report.

In the left pane, select All Templates to display all of the templates available in FLIR Report Studio or select a template category to locate a particular report template.

In the center pane, click a report template. A preview of each page in the selected report template will be displayed in the right pane.

To continue with the selected template, click Next at the bottom of the window.

In the left pane, choose the folder containing the images to include in the report. You can also import images from a camera connected to the computer, by clicking Import at the left bottom of the window.

To add images to the report, do one or more of the following:

Click to select an image. Use the Ctrl key and/or the Shift key + click to select multiple images. Then do one of the following:
- Drag and drop the images into the right pane
- Click (Add selected images to the report) at the bottom of the center pane.
To add all images from the center pane, click (Add all images to the report) at the bottom of the center pane.
To add all images in a folder, do one of the following:
- Drag and drop the folder from the left pane into the right pane.
- Right-click the folder and select Add to report.

In the right pane, you can do the following:

To change the order of images, select an image and click (Move the chapter up) or (Move the chapter down).
To remove an image from the report, select the image and click (Delete the chapter).
To remove all images from the report, click (Remove all chapters).

To edit an image, do one of the following:

Right-click the image and select Edit Image.
Double-click the image.

This opens the FLIR Report StudioImage Editor. For more information, see section 19 Analyzing and editing images using the FLIR Report Studio‎Image Editor‎.

Enter the name of the report in the REPORT NAME field in the upper part of the window.

Click the Generate arrow at the bottom of the window. Select one of the following:

Generate an editable report to generate a report with full radiometric data.
Generate a compressed report to generate a compressed report with flat infrared images and result tables.

The Report Properties dialog box is displayed.

Do one or more of the following:

Enter the customer information and information about the inspection in the predefined fields.
Click Import to import properties from a previously saved text file.
Click Add to add a new property.
Select a property and use the arrow buttons or to move the property up or down.
Select a property and click Remove to remove a property.
Click Export to export the current property settings to a text file.

To create the report with the displayed properties, click OK. This generates a report saved to the reports folder, as specified in Settings. For more information, see section 21.5 Changing the settings.

The report opens as a Microsoft Word document. The selected image(s) and the information entered in the Report Properties dialog box populate the corresponding placeholders in the report.

(Applicable to editable reports.) To edit an image, do one of the following:

Click the image. On the FLIR tab, click Image Editor.
Right-click the image and select Edit Image.
Double-click the image.

This opens the FLIR Report StudioImage Editor. For more information, see section 19 Analyzing and editing images using the FLIR Report Studio‎Image Editor‎.

(Applicable to editable reports.) To modify objects in the report, refer to section 18.2 Managing objects in the report.

Save the report.

21.4 Saving a session

A session is a way to store a report that has not yet been completed in the FLIR Report Studio wizard. You can load a saved session in the FLIR Report Studio wizard and continue with the report later.

In the FLIR Report Studio wizard, do the following:

To save a session, select File > Save session.
To load a session, select File > Load session.

21.5 Changing the settings

You can change the settings for FLIR Report Studio wizard.

Follow this procedure:

Select Options > Settings.

In the Report tab, you can select settings related to the creation of reports.

Reports folder. The default destination folder for new reports.
Templates folder. The folder where report templates are located.
Prompt for report file name. Select the check box to display the Save as dialog box before a report is saved.
Automatically add associated visual images when adding thermal images. Applicable to grouped camera images. Adds grouped visual images which are associated to thermal images while adding thermal images to the report.
Do not ask about report properties during report generation. Select the check box to generate a report without first displaying the Report Properties dialog box.
Note The Report Properties dialog box can always be displayed by clicking the Report Properties button at the bottom of the Image window, see section .
Remove empty group placeholders from report. Select the check box to remove placeholders, for which no images have been added, from the report.
Close application when report is generated. Select the check box to close the FLIR Report Studio wizard after the report has been generated.
Keep image overlay. Select the check box to display the thermal images with the overlay that is saved in the image file.

In the Units tab, you can select settings related to temperature and distance units.

Select the Prefer template units check box to apply the unit settings as specified in the report template. If no units are set in the template, the unit settings in the Temperature and Distance fields will apply.
Deselect the Prefer template units check box to apply the unit settings in the Temperature and Distance fields.

In the Import tab, you can select settings related to the import of images.

Default folder for importing images. The default destination folder for images imported from a camera connected to the camera.
Overwrite existing images. Select the check box to replace any existing images with the imported images.
Delete source images after import. Select the check box to delete the images in the camera after import.

In the Language tab, you can select the language.

22 Updating the camera and PC software

22.1 Updating the PC software

22.1.1 General

You can update FLIR Tools/Tools+ with the latest service packs.

22.1.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Start FLIR Tools/Tools+.
On the Help menu, select Check for updates. This displays a dialog box.

Figure 22.1 FLIR Tools/Tools+‎ update dialog box (example image)
Follow the on-screen instructions.

22.2 Updating the camera firmware

22.2.1 General

You can update your infrared camera with the latest firmware.

22.2.2 Procedure

Follow this procedure:

Connect your infrared camera to a PC.
Start FLIR Tools/Tools+.
On the Help menu, select Check for updates. This displays a dialog box.

Figure 22.2 Camera update dialog box (example).
Follow the on-screen instructions.

23 Changing settings

23.1 Settings relating to OptionsFLIR Tools/Tools+‎

23.1.1 The Options dialog (for program-wide options)

23.1.1.1 Recording tab

File name prefix: The prefix that will be inserted in file names for recordings.

Image format: The image format for snapshots that are saved as image files from recordings.

Video format: The video format for recordings.

Browse: Click Browse to specify the location where video recordings will be saved.

Disk space: The available disk space for recordings.

23.1.1.2 View tab

Hide cold and hot spot: To hide any existing cold and hot spots in an image, select this check box.

Show wizard when connecting a camera: To display the import guide when connecting a camera, select this checkbox.

Use entire-scale setting on auto-adjust image: (Applies to FLIR GF3xx cameras only.) To use the image’s entire temperature range when importing the image into FLIR Tools/Tools+, and not only the scene temperature range, select this check box. If this check box is not selected, the image may appear considerably darker after importing, since FLIR Tools/Tools+ uses a default temperature range. For more information about the scene temperature range, see the FLIR GF3xx camera manual.

23.1.1.3 Library tab

Add existing folder to library: To add an existing folder on your computer to the image library, click Browse and navigate to the folder.

Remove folder: To remove a folder from the image library, select the folder in the folder list and then click Remove folder.

23.1.1.4 Report tab

Page size: To change the page size, select a new page size in the list. Available options are A4, US Letter, and US Legal.

Show all parameters: To display all measurement parameters for an image when included in a report, select this checkbox.

Extract digital camera image from thermal image (if available) when generating: For cameras supporting multispectral images, all image modes are included inside a single image file—MSX, thermal, thermal fusion, thermal blending, picture-in-picture, and the digital camera image. To extract the digital camera image when generating a report, select this checkbox.

User Report Studio templates path: The file path to the program’s Report Studio templates (Microsoft Word *.dotx files).

Logo: To display a logo in the top left corner of the report pages, select this checkbox. To display another logo, click Browse and navigate to the logo file.

Header: A text field where you can enter any text that shall be displayed in the report header.

Footer: A text field where you can enter any text that shall be displayed in the report footer.

23.1.1.5 Units tab

Temperature unit: The unit for temperature values in the program and the reports. To change the unit, select another unit. Available options are Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin.

Distance unit: The unit for distance in the program and the reports. To change the unit, select another unit. Available options are Meters, Feet.

23.1.1.6 Language tab

Language: To change the language, select a new language in the list.

23.1.2 The Options dialog (for plot-specific options)

Chart title: To change the title of the plot, type a title here.

Number of points: Number of sampling points that the plot is based on.

Show cross-hairs: To display a cross-hair that moves when you move the mouse and displays the X and Y axes values, select this checkbox.

Show latest value: To display the latest Y value, select this checkbox.

X axis > Auto: To let FLIR Tools/Tools+ automatically set the boundaries of the X axis, select Auto.

X axis > Manual: To manually set the boundaries of the X axis, select Manual and enter the start and stop times.

Y axis > Auto: To let FLIR Tools/Tools+ automatically set the boundaries of the Y axis, select Auto.

Y axis > Manual: To manually set the boundaries of the Y axis, select Manual and enter the min. and max. values.

23.2 Settings relating to FLIR Kx3‎ and FLIR Kx5‎ series cameras

23.2.1 General

The FLIR K series is a robust and reliable infrared camera series designed to perform under extremely severe conditions. It has an intuitive interface with a design that makes it easy to control even with a gloved hand. The crisp and clear image helps you to navigate through smoke and to make quick and accurate decisions.

By connecting a FLIR Kx3 or FLIR Kx5 series camera to FLIR Tools/Tools+, you get access to a variety of settings in the camera.

23.2.2 The General settings tab

23.2.2.1 Figure

23.2.2.2 Explanation

Regional settings area: To synchronize the camera’s date and time settings with the computer, select the checkbox.

Firmware info area: To check whether a newer version of the camera firmware exists, click Check for updates and follow the on-screen instructions.

Restore to factory default area: To restore all camera settings to the factory defaults, click Restore.

23.2.3 The User interface tab

23.2.3.1 Figure

23.2.3.2 Explanation

Camera modes area:

Applicable to FLIR Kx5: To define which camera modes to enable in the camera, select the camera mode. For more information on each camera mode, see section 23.2.4 Explanation of the different camera modes.
Applicable to FLIR Kx3: The camera features one camera mode: basic mode. For more information, see section 23.2.4.1.

Trigger button area: The camera has a trigger button. With the settings in the Trigger button area, you can select the function of the trigger button. You select what will happen when you click (short press) the trigger button and what will happen when you hold (long press) the trigger button.

No action, No action: Select to disable any functionality of the trigger button. Nothing will happen when you press the trigger.
No action, Freeze image: Select to make the camera freeze the image when you press and hold the trigger. The image will unfreeze when you release the trigger. Nothing will happen when you press the trigger momentarily.
No action, Record video (not applicable to the FLIR K33 and FLIR K45): Select to make the camera start a recording when you press and hold the trigger. The recording will stop when you release the trigger. Nothing will happen when you press the trigger momentarily.
Save image, No action (not applicable to the FLIR K33): Select to make the camera save an image when you press the trigger momentarily. Nothing will happen when you press and hold the trigger.
Save image, Freeze image (not applicable to the FLIR K33): Select to make the camera save an image when you press the trigger momentarily and freeze the image when you press and hold the trigger. The image will unfreeze when you release the trigger.
Save image, Record video (not applicable to the FLIR K33 and FLIR K45): Select to make the camera save an image when you press the trigger momentarily and start a recording when you press and hold the trigger. The recording will stop when you release the trigger.
Rec. on/off, No action (not applicable to the FLIR K33 and FLIR K45): Select to make the camera start a recording when you press the trigger and stop the recording when you press the trigger again. Nothing will happen when you press and hold the trigger.
Continuous rec. (trigger disabled) (not applicable to the FLIR K33 and FLIR K45): Select to make the camera start a continuous video recording when you turn on the camera. The recording cannot be stopped. Nothing will happen when you press the trigger.

Gain mode area:

Auto gain mode: Select to make the camera automatically switch between the high-sensitivity range and the low-sensitivity range, depending on the scene temperature. The temperature level at which the camera switches between the two modes is 150°C (302°F).
Low gain mode: Select to make the camera operate in the low-sensitivity range only. This has the advantage that the camera does not perform a non-uniformity correction (NUC) when an object with a temperature higher than 150°C (302°F) enters the scene. However, the disadvantage is lower sensitivity and a higher level of signal noise.

Temperature unit area: To select a different temperature unit, click Celsius or Fahrenheit.

Thermal indication area:

Digital readout only: Select to display the thermal information in the image as the temperature of the spotmeter only. In modes with automatic heat colorization, the colorization of the image will remain but the static heat color reference icon will not be displayed.
Reference bar: In modes with automatic heat indication colorization, a vertical heat color reference bar is displayed in the thermal indication area. This static icon shows how heat colors are applied to the range of the camera mode. The colors yellow, orange, and red correspond to a temperature-dependent change in hue as the temperature increases.
Temp bar: Select to display the thermal information in the image as a temperature bar, similar to a thermometer. This displays a dynamic vertical temperature bar on the right-hand side of the image. The top of the dynamic bar represents the temperature of the measured spot. In modes with automatic heat colorization, the colorization of the image will remain, with a static heat color reference bar displayed next to the temperature bar.

Add custom boot image area: To select an image of your choice to appear during start-up, click Browse, and navigate to the image file. This is useful for, for example, identifying your fire department’s cameras. By incorporating your fire department’s logo, and a unique identity number in the image, you can keep track of your cameras. This image can also be accessed from the camera menu.

23.2.4 Explanation of the different camera modes

23.2.4.1 Basic mode

Figure 23.1 Basic mode.

Basic mode is the default mode of the camera. It is a multipurpose mode for the initial fire attack with life-saving operations and control of the fire. The camera automatically switches between the high-sensitivity range and the low-sensitivity range, to maintain an optimal infrared image while at the same time maintaining a safe and consistent heat colorization of the fire scene.

Automatic range.
Colorization of heat: +150 to +650°C (+302 to +1202°F).
High-sensitivity range: –20 to +150°C (–4 to +302°F).
Low-sensitivity range: 0 to +650°C (+32 to +1202°F).

23.2.4.2 Black and white firefighting mode

Figure 23.2 Black and white firefighting mode.

Black and white firefighting mode is a standardized firefighting mode based on Basic mode. It is a multipurpose mode for the initial fire intervention that includes life-saving operations and control of the fire. It is specifically designed for fire services that do not want to use the heat colorization feature.

The camera automatically switches between the high-sensitivity range and the low-sensitivity range, to maintain an optimal infrared image.

Automatic range.
High-sensitivity range: –20 to +150°C (–4 to +302°F).
Low-sensitivity range: 0 to +650°C (+32 to +1202°F).

23.2.4.3 Fire mode

Figure 23.3 Fire mode.

Fire mode is similar to Basic mode, but with a higher-temperature starting point for the heat colorization. It is suitable for fire scenes with higher background temperatures, where there are already a lot of open flames and a high background temperature. The camera automatically switches between the high-sensitivity range and the low-sensitivity range, to maintain an optimal infrared image while at the same time maintaining a safe and consistent heat colorization.

Automatic range.
Colorization of heat: +250 to +650°C (+ 482 to +1202°F).
High-sensitivity range: –20 to +150°C (–4 to +302°F).
Low-sensitivity range: 0 to +650°C (+32 to +1202°F).

23.2.4.4 Search and rescue mode

Figure 23.4 Search and rescue mode.

Search and rescue mode is optimized for maintaining high contrast in the infrared image while searching for people in landscapes, buildings, or traffic accident scenes.

High-sensitivity range only.
Colorization of heat: +100 to +150°C (+212 to +302°F).
High-sensitivity range: –20 to +150°C (–4 to +302°F).

23.2.4.5 Heat detection mode

Figure 23.5 Heat detection mode.

Heat detection mode is optimized for searching hotspots during overhaul after the fire is out—typically to ensure that there is no remaining hidden fire. This mode can also be used to find thermal patterns (e.g., signs of people in car seats after accidents), to ensure that everyone has been found. This mode can also be used to search for people in water and open landscapes.

High-sensitivity range only.
Colorization of heat: the 20% highest temperatures in the scene.
High-sensitivity range: –20 to +150°C (–4 to +302°F).

23.3 Settings relating to FLIR Kx‎ series cameras

23.3.1 General

By connecting a FLIR Kx series camera to FLIR Tools/Tools+, you get access to a variety of settings in the camera.

23.3.2 The General settings tab

23.3.2.1 Figure

23.3.2.2 Explanation

Firmware info area: To check whether a newer version of the camera firmware exists, click Check for updates, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Restore to factory default area: To restore all camera settings to the factory defaults, click Restore.

23.3.3 The User interface tab

23.3.3.1 Figure

23.3.3.2 Explanation

Camera modes area: To define which camera modes to enable in the camera, select the camera mode. For more information on each camera mode, see section 23.3.4 Explanation of the different camera modes.

Gain mode area:

Auto gain mode: Select to make the camera automatically switch between the high-sensitivity range and the low-sensitivity range, depending on the scene temperature. The temperature level at which the camera switches between the two modes is +150°C (+302°F).
Low gain mode: Select to make the camera work in the low-sensitivity range only. This has the advantage that the camera does not perform a non-uniformity correction when an object with a temperature higher than +150°C (+302°F) enters the scene. However, the disadvantage is lower sensitivity and a higher level of signal noise.

Add custom boot image area: To specify your own unique image to appear during start-up, click Browse, and navigate to the image file. This is useful for, for example, identifying your fire department’s cameras. By incorporating your fire department’s logo, and a unique identity number in the image, you can keep track of your cameras.

23.3.4 Explanation of the different camera modes

23.3.4.1 Basic mode

Figure 23.6 Basic mode.

The Basic mode is the default mode of the camera. It is a multipurpose mode for the initial fire attack with life rescuing operation and control of the fire. The camera automatically switches between the high-sensitivity range and the low-sensitivity range, to maintain an optimal infrared image while at the same time maintaining a safe and consistent heat colorization of the fire scene.

Automatic range.
Colorization of heat: +150 to +500°C (+302 to +932°F).
High-sensitivity range: –20 to +150°C (–4 to +302°F).
Low-sensitivity range: 0 to +500°C (+32 to +932°F).

23.3.4.2 Black and white firefighting mode

Figure 23.7 Black and white firefighting mode.

The black and white firefighting mode is a standardized firefighting mode based on the Basic mode. It is a multipurpose mode for the initial fire intervention that includes life rescuing operations and control of the fire. It is specifically designed for fire services that do not want to use the heat colorization feature.

The camera automatically switches between the high-sensitivity range and the low-sensitivity range, to maintain an optimal infrared image.

Automatic range.
High-sensitivity range: –20 to +150°C (–4 to +302°F).
Low-sensitivity range: 0 to +500°C (+32 to +932°F).

23.3.4.3 Fire mode

Figure 23.8 Fire mode.

The fire mode is similar to the Basic mode, but with a higher-temperature starting point for the heat colorization. It is suitable for fire scenes with higher background temperatures, where there are already a lot of open flames and a high background temperature. The camera automatically switches between the high-sensitivity range and the low-sensitivity range, to maintain an optimal infrared image while at the same time maintaining a safe and consistent heat colorization.

Automatic range.
Colorization of heat: +250 to +500°C (+ 482 to +932°F).
High-sensitivity range: –20 to +150°C (–4 to +302°F).
Low-sensitivity range: 0 to +500°C (+32 to +932°F).

23.3.4.4 Search and rescue mode

Figure 23.9 Search and rescue mode.

The search and rescue mode is optimized for maintaining high contrast in the infrared image while searching for people in landscapes, buildings, or traffic accident scenes.

High-sensitivity range only.
Colorization of heat: +100 to +150°C (+212 to +302°F).
High-sensitivity range: –20 to +150°C (–4 to +302°F).

23.3.4.5 Heat detection mode

Figure 23.10 Heat detection mode.

The heat detection mode is optimized for searching hotspots during overhaul after the fire is out—typically to ensure that there is no remaining hidden fire. This mode can also be used to find thermal patterns (e.g., signs of people in car seats after accidents), to ensure that everyone has been found. This mode can also be used to search for people in water and open landscapes.

High-sensitivity range only.
Colorization of heat: the 20% highest temperatures in the scene.
High-sensitivity range: –20 to +150°C (–4 to +302°F).

23.3.4.6 Cold detection mode

Figure 23.11 Cold detection mode.

The cold detection mode is optimized for searching coldspots—typically to find drafts and air flows.

High-sensitivity range only.
Colorization of cold: the 20% lowest temperatures in the scene.
High-sensitivity range: –20 to +150°C (–4 to +302°F).

23.3.4.7 Building analysis mode

Figure 23.12 Building analysis mode.

The building analysis mode is suitable for the analysis of buildings and the detection of building-related anomalies. The thermal image can provide information on structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical constructions as well as an indication of moisture, wetness, and air infiltration.

In this mode, the camera uses an iron color palette to display the different temperatures, where black, blue, and purple are for the coldest areas, followed by red, orange, and yellow for the mid-range and going to white for the hottest parts. The temperature scale is automatically adjusted to the thermal content of the image.

24 Supported file formats

24.1 General

FLIR Tools/Tools+ supports several radiometric and non-radiometric file formats.

24.2 Radiometric file formats

FLIR Tools/Tools+ supports the following radiometric file formats:

FLIR Systems radiometric *.jpg.
FLIR Systems radiometric *.img.
FLIR Systems radiometric *.fff.
FLIR Systems radiometric *.seq (video files).
FLIR Systems radiometric *.csq (video files).

24.3 Non-radiometric file formats

FLIR Tools/Tools+ supports the following non-radiometric file formats:

*.jpg.
*.mp4 (video files).
*.avi (video files).
*.pdf (reports and imagesheets).
*.docx (as reports).

25 About FLIR Systems

FLIR Systems was established in 1978 to pioneer the development of high-performance infrared imaging systems, and is the world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of thermal imaging systems for a wide variety of commercial, industrial, and government applications. Today, FLIR Systems embraces five major companies with outstanding achievements in infrared technology since 1958—the Swedish AGEMA Infrared Systems (formerly AGA Infrared Systems), the three United States companies Indigo Systems, FSI, and Inframetrics, and the French company Cedip.

Since 2007, FLIR Systems has acquired several companies with world-leading expertise in sensor technologies:

Extech Instruments (2007)
Ifara Tecnologías (2008)
Salvador Imaging (2009)
OmniTech Partners (2009)
Directed Perception (2009)
Raymarine (2010)
ICx Technologies (2010)
TackTick Marine Digital Instruments (2011)
Aerius Photonics (2011)
Lorex Technology (2012)
Traficon (2012)
MARSS (2013)
DigitalOptics micro-optics business (2013)
DVTEL (2015)
Point Grey Research (2016)
Prox Dynamics (2016)

Figure 25.1 Patent documents from the early 1960s

FLIR Systems has three manufacturing plants in the United States (Portland, OR, Boston, MA, Santa Barbara, CA) and one in Sweden (Stockholm). Since 2007 there is also a manufacturing plant in Tallinn, Estonia. Direct sales offices in Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Sweden, and the USA—together with a worldwide network of agents and distributors—support our international customer base.

FLIR Systems is at the forefront of innovation in the infrared camera industry. We anticipate market demand by constantly improving our existing cameras and developing new ones. The company has set milestones in product design and development such as the introduction of the first battery-operated portable camera for industrial inspections, and the first uncooled infrared camera, to mention just two innovations.

Figure 25.2 1969: Thermovision Model 661. The camera weighed approximately 25 kg (55 lb.), the oscilloscope 20 kg (44 lb.), and the tripod 15 kg (33 lb.). The operator also needed a 220 VAC generator set, and a 10 L (2.6 US gallon) jar with liquid nitrogen. To the left of the oscilloscope the Polaroid attachment (6 kg (13 lb.)) can be seen.

Figure 25.3 2015: FLIR One, an accessory to iPhone and Android mobile phones. Weight: 90 g (3.2 oz.).

FLIR Systems manufactures all vital mechanical and electronic components of the camera systems itself. From detector design and manufacturing, to lenses and system electronics, to final testing and calibration, all production steps are carried out and supervised by our own engineers. The in-depth expertise of these infrared specialists ensures the accuracy and reliability of all vital components that are assembled into your infrared camera.

25.1 More than just an infrared camera

At FLIR Systems we recognize that our job is to go beyond just producing the best infrared camera systems. We are committed to enabling all users of our infrared camera systems to work more productively by providing them with the most powerful camera–software combination. Especially tailored software for predictive maintenance, R & D, and process monitoring is developed in-house. Most software is available in a wide variety of languages.

We support all our infrared cameras with a wide variety of accessories to adapt your equipment to the most demanding infrared applications.

25.2 Sharing our knowledge

Although our cameras are designed to be very user-friendly, there is a lot more to thermography than just knowing how to handle a camera. Therefore, FLIR Systems has founded the Infrared Training Center (ITC), a separate business unit, that provides certified training courses. Attending one of the ITC courses will give you a truly hands-on learning experience.

The staff of the ITC are also there to provide you with any application support you may need in putting infrared theory into practice.

25.3 Supporting our customers

FLIR Systems operates a worldwide service network to keep your camera running at all times. If you discover a problem with your camera, local service centers have all the equipment and expertise to solve it within the shortest possible time. Therefore, there is no need to send your camera to the other side of the world or to talk to someone who does not speak your language.

26 Terms, laws, and definitions

Term	Definition
Absorption and emission1	The capacity or ability of an object to absorb incident radiated energy is always the same as the capacity to emit its own energy as radiation
Apparent temperature	uncompensated reading from an infrared instrument, containing all radiation incident on the instrument, regardless of its sources2
Color palette	assigns different colors to indicate specific levels of apparent temperature. Palettes can provide high or low contrast, depending on the colors used in them
Conduction	direct transfer of thermal energy from molecule to molecule, caused by collisions between the molecules
Convection	heat transfer mode where a fluid is brought into motion, either by gravity or another force, thereby transferring heat from one place to another
Diagnostics	examination of symptoms and syndromes to determine the nature of faults or failures3
Direction of heat transfer4	Heat will spontaneously flow from hotter to colder, thereby transferring thermal energy from one place to another5
Emissivity	ratio of the power radiated by real bodies to the power that is radiated by a blackbody at the same temperature and at the same wavelength6
Energy conservation7	The sum of the total energy contents in a closed system is constant
Exitant radiation	radiation that leaves the surface of an object, regardless of its original sources
Heat	thermal energy that is transferred between two objects (systems) due to their difference in temperature
Heat transfer rate8	The heat transfer rate under steady state conditions is directly proportional to the thermal conductivity of the object, the cross-sectional area of the object through which the heat flows, and the temperature difference between the two ends of the object. It is inversely proportional to the length, or thickness, of the object9
Incident radiation	radiation that strikes an object from its surroundings
IR thermography	process of acquisition and analysis of thermal information from non-contact thermal imaging devices
Isotherm	replaces certain colors in the scale with a contrasting color. It marks an interval of equal apparent temperature10
Qualitative thermography	thermography that relies on the analysis of thermal patterns to reveal the existence of and to locate the position of anomalies11
Quantitative thermography	thermography that uses temperature measurement to determine the seriousness of an anomaly, in order to establish repair priorities12
Radiative heat transfer	Heat transfer by the emission and absorption of thermal radiation
Reflected apparent temperature	apparent temperature of the environment that is reflected by the target into the IR camera13
Spatial resolution	ability of an IR camera to resolve small objects or details
Temperature	measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules and atoms that make up the substance
Thermal energy	total kinetic energy of the molecules that make up the object14
Thermal gradient	gradual change in temperature over distance15
Thermal tuning	process of putting the colors of the image on the object of analysis, in order to maximize contrast

27 Thermographic measurement techniques

27.1 Introduction

An infrared camera measures and images the emitted infrared radiation from an object. The fact that radiation is a function of object surface temperature makes it possible for the camera to calculate and display this temperature.

However, the radiation measured by the camera does not only depend on the temperature of the object but is also a function of the emissivity. Radiation also originates from the surroundings and is reflected in the object. The radiation from the object and the reflected radiation will also be influenced by the absorption of the atmosphere.

To measure temperature accurately, it is therefore necessary to compensate for the effects of a number of different radiation sources. This is done on-line automatically by the camera. The following object parameters must, however, be supplied for the camera:

The emissivity of the object
The reflected apparent temperature
The distance between the object and the camera
The relative humidity
Temperature of the atmosphere

27.2 Emissivity

The most important object parameter to set correctly is the emissivity which, in short, is a measure of how much radiation is emitted from the object, compared to that from a perfect blackbody of the same temperature.

Normally, object materials and surface treatments exhibit emissivity ranging from approximately 0.1 to 0.95. A highly polished (mirror) surface falls below 0.1, while an oxidized or painted surface has a higher emissivity. Oil-based paint, regardless of color in the visible spectrum, has an emissivity over 0.9 in the infrared. Human skin exhibits an emissivity 0.97 to 0.98.

Non-oxidized metals represent an extreme case of perfect opacity and high reflexivity, which does not vary greatly with wavelength. Consequently, the emissivity of metals is low – only increasing with temperature. For non-metals, emissivity tends to be high, and decreases with temperature.

27.2.1 Finding the emissivity of a sample

27.2.1.1 Step 1: Determining reflected apparent temperature

Use one of the following two methods to determine reflected apparent temperature:

27.2.1.1.1 Method 1: Direct method

Follow this procedure:

Look for possible reflection sources, considering that the incident angle = reflection angle (a = b).

Figure 27.1 1 = Reflection source
If the reflection source is a spot source, modify the source by obstructing it using a piece if cardboard.

Figure 27.2 1 = Reflection source

Measure the radiation intensity (= apparent temperature) from the reflection source using the following settings:

Emissivity: 1.0
Dobj: 0

You can measure the radiation intensity using one of the following two methods:

Figure 27.3 1 = Reflection source

Figure 27.4 1 = Reflection source

You can not use a thermocouple to measure reflected apparent temperature, because a thermocouple measures temperature, but apparent temperatrure is radiation intensity.

27.2.1.1.2 Method 2: Reflector method

Follow this procedure:

Crumble up a large piece of aluminum foil.
Uncrumble the aluminum foil and attach it to a piece of cardboard of the same size.
Put the piece of cardboard in front of the object you want to measure. Make sure that the side with aluminum foil points to the camera.
Set the emissivity to 1.0.
Measure the apparent temperature of the aluminum foil and write it down. The foil is considered a perfect reflector, so its apparent temperature equals the reflected apparent temperature from the surroundings.

Figure 27.5 Measuring the apparent temperature of the aluminum foil.

27.2.1.2 Step 2: Determining the emissivity

Follow this procedure:

Select a place to put the sample.
Determine and set reflected apparent temperature according to the previous procedure.
Put a piece of electrical tape with known high emissivity on the sample.
Heat the sample at least 20 K above room temperature. Heating must be reasonably even.
Focus and auto-adjust the camera, and freeze the image.
Adjust Level and Span for best image brightness and contrast.
Set emissivity to that of the tape (usually 0.97).
Measure the temperature of the tape using one of the following measurement functions:
- Isotherm (helps you to determine both the temperature and how evenly you have heated the sample)
- Spot (simpler)
- BoxAvg (good for surfaces with varying emissivity).
Write down the temperature.
Move your measurement function to the sample surface.
Change the emissivity setting until you read the same temperature as your previous measurement.
Write down the emissivity.

27.3 Reflected apparent temperature

This parameter is used to compensate for the radiation reflected in the object. If the emissivity is low and the object temperature relatively far from that of the reflected it will be important to set and compensate for the reflected apparent temperature correctly.

27.4 Distance

The distance is the distance between the object and the front lens of the camera. This parameter is used to compensate for the following two facts:

That radiation from the target is absorbed by the atmosphere between the object and the camera.
That radiation from the atmosphere itself is detected by the camera.

27.5 Relative humidity

The camera can also compensate for the fact that the transmittance is also dependent on the relative humidity of the atmosphere. To do this set the relative humidity to the correct value. For short distances and normal humidity the relative humidity can normally be left at a default value of 50%.

27.6 Other parameters

In addition, some cameras and analysis programs from FLIR Systems allow you to compensate for the following parameters:

Atmospheric temperature – i.e. the temperature of the atmosphere between the camera and the target
External optics temperature – i.e. the temperature of any external lenses or windows used in front of the camera
External optics transmittance – i.e. the transmission of any external lenses or windows used in front of the camera

28 History of infrared technology

Before the year 1800, the existence of the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum wasn't even suspected. The original significance of the infrared spectrum, or simply ‘the infrared’ as it is often called, as a form of heat radiation is perhaps less obvious today than it was at the time of its discovery by Herschel in 1800.

Figure 28.1 Sir William Herschel (1738–1822)

The discovery was made accidentally during the search for a new optical material. Sir William Herschel – Royal Astronomer to King George III of England, and already famous for his discovery of the planet Uranus – was searching for an optical filter material to reduce the brightness of the sun’s image in telescopes during solar observations. While testing different samples of colored glass which gave similar reductions in brightness he was intrigued to find that some of the samples passed very little of the sun’s heat, while others passed so much heat that he risked eye damage after only a few seconds’ observation.

Herschel was soon convinced of the necessity of setting up a systematic experiment, with the objective of finding a single material that would give the desired reduction in brightness as well as the maximum reduction in heat. He began the experiment by actually repeating Newton’s prism experiment, but looking for the heating effect rather than the visual distribution of intensity in the spectrum. He first blackened the bulb of a sensitive mercury-in-glass thermometer with ink, and with this as his radiation detector he proceeded to test the heating effect of the various colors of the spectrum formed on the top of a table by passing sunlight through a glass prism. Other thermometers, placed outside the sun’s rays, served as controls.

As the blackened thermometer was moved slowly along the colors of the spectrum, the temperature readings showed a steady increase from the violet end to the red end. This was not entirely unexpected, since the Italian researcher, Landriani, in a similar experiment in 1777 had observed much the same effect. It was Herschel, however, who was the first to recognize that there must be a point where the heating effect reaches a maximum, and that measurements confined to the visible portion of the spectrum failed to locate this point.

Figure 28.2 Marsilio Landriani (1746–1815)

Moving the thermometer into the dark region beyond the red end of the spectrum, Herschel confirmed that the heating continued to increase. The maximum point, when he found it, lay well beyond the red end – in what is known today as the ‘infrared wavelengths’.

When Herschel revealed his discovery, he referred to this new portion of the electromagnetic spectrum as the ‘thermometrical spectrum’. The radiation itself he sometimes referred to as ‘dark heat’, or simply ‘the invisible rays’. Ironically, and contrary to popular opinion, it wasn't Herschel who originated the term ‘infrared’. The word only began to appear in print around 75 years later, and it is still unclear who should receive credit as the originator.

Herschel’s use of glass in the prism of his original experiment led to some early controversies with his contemporaries about the actual existence of the infrared wavelengths. Different investigators, in attempting to confirm his work, used various types of glass indiscriminately, having different transparencies in the infrared. Through his later experiments, Herschel was aware of the limited transparency of glass to the newly-discovered thermal radiation, and he was forced to conclude that optics for the infrared would probably be doomed to the use of reflective elements exclusively (i.e. plane and curved mirrors). Fortunately, this proved to be true only until 1830, when the Italian investigator, Melloni, made his great discovery that naturally occurring rock salt (NaCl) – which was available in large enough natural crystals to be made into lenses and prisms – is remarkably transparent to the infrared. The result was that rock salt became the principal infrared optical material, and remained so for the next hundred years, until the art of synthetic crystal growing was mastered in the 1930’s.

Figure 28.3 Macedonio Melloni (1798–1854)

Thermometers, as radiation detectors, remained unchallenged until 1829, the year Nobili invented the thermocouple. (Herschel’s own thermometer could be read to 0.2 °C (0.036 °F), and later models were able to be read to 0.05 °C (0.09 °F)). Then a breakthrough occurred; Melloni connected a number of thermocouples in series to form the first thermopile. The new device was at least 40 times as sensitive as the best thermometer of the day for detecting heat radiation – capable of detecting the heat from a person standing three meters away.

The first so-called ‘heat-picture’ became possible in 1840, the result of work by Sir John Herschel, son of the discoverer of the infrared and a famous astronomer in his own right. Based upon the differential evaporation of a thin film of oil when exposed to a heat pattern focused upon it, the thermal image could be seen by reflected light where the interference effects of the oil film made the image visible to the eye. Sir John also managed to obtain a primitive record of the thermal image on paper, which he called a ‘thermograph’.

Figure 28.4 Samuel P. Langley (1834–1906)

The improvement of infrared-detector sensitivity progressed slowly. Another major breakthrough, made by Langley in 1880, was the invention of the bolometer. This consisted of a thin blackened strip of platinum connected in one arm of a Wheatstone bridge circuit upon which the infrared radiation was focused and to which a sensitive galvanometer responded. This instrument is said to have been able to detect the heat from a cow at a distance of 400 meters.

An English scientist, Sir James Dewar, first introduced the use of liquefied gases as cooling agents (such as liquid nitrogen with a temperature of –196°C (–320.8°F)) in low temperature research. In 1892 he invented a unique vacuum insulating container in which it is possible to store liquefied gases for entire days. The common ‘thermos bottle’, used for storing hot and cold drinks, is based upon his invention.

Between the years 1900 and 1920, the inventors of the world ‘discovered’ the infrared. Many patents were issued for devices to detect personnel, artillery, aircraft, ships – and even icebergs. The first operating systems, in the modern sense, began to be developed during the 1914–18 war, when both sides had research programs devoted to the military exploitation of the infrared. These programs included experimental systems for enemy intrusion/detection, remote temperature sensing, secure communications, and ‘flying torpedo’ guidance. An infrared search system tested during this period was able to detect an approaching airplane at a distance of 1.5 km (0.94 miles), or a person more than 300 meters (984 ft.) away.

The most sensitive systems up to this time were all based upon variations of the bolometer idea, but the period between the two wars saw the development of two revolutionary new infrared detectors: the image converter and the photon detector. At first, the image converter received the greatest attention by the military, because it enabled an observer for the first time in history to literally ‘see in the dark’. However, the sensitivity of the image converter was limited to the near infrared wavelengths, and the most interesting military targets (i.e. enemy soldiers) had to be illuminated by infrared search beams. Since this involved the risk of giving away the observer’s position to a similarly-equipped enemy observer, it is understandable that military interest in the image converter eventually faded.

The tactical military disadvantages of so-called 'active’ (i.e. search beam-equipped) thermal imaging systems provided impetus following the 1939–45 war for extensive secret military infrared-research programs into the possibilities of developing ‘passive’ (no search beam) systems around the extremely sensitive photon detector. During this period, military secrecy regulations completely prevented disclosure of the status of infrared-imaging technology. This secrecy only began to be lifted in the middle of the 1950’s, and from that time adequate thermal-imaging devices finally began to be available to civilian science and industry.

29 Theory of thermography

29.1 Introduction

The subjects of infrared radiation and the related technique of thermography are still new to many who will use an infrared camera. In this section the theory behind thermography will be given.

29.2 The electromagnetic spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum is divided arbitrarily into a number of wavelength regions, called bands, distinguished by the methods used to produce and detect the radiation. There is no fundamental difference between radiation in the different bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. They are all governed by the same laws and the only differences are those due to differences in wavelength.

Figure 29.1 The electromagnetic spectrum. 1: X-ray; 2: UV; 3: Visible; 4: IR; 5: Microwaves; 6: Radiowaves.

Thermography makes use of the infrared spectral band. At the short-wavelength end the boundary lies at the limit of visual perception, in the deep red. At the long-wavelength end it merges with the microwave radio wavelengths, in the millimeter range.

The infrared band is often further subdivided into four smaller bands, the boundaries of which are also arbitrarily chosen. They include: the near infrared (0.75–3 μm), the middle infrared (3–6 μm), the far infrared (6–15 μm) and the extreme infrared (15–100 μm). Although the wavelengths are given in μm (micrometers), other units are often still used to measure wavelength in this spectral region, e.g. nanometer (nm) and Ångström (Å).

The relationships between the different wavelength measurements is:

29.3 Blackbody radiation

A blackbody is defined as an object which absorbs all radiation that impinges on it at any wavelength. The apparent misnomer black relating to an object emitting radiation is explained by Kirchhoff’s Law (after Gustav Robert Kirchhoff, 1824–1887), which states that a body capable of absorbing all radiation at any wavelength is equally capable in the emission of radiation.

Figure 29.2 Gustav Robert Kirchhoff (1824–1887)

The construction of a blackbody source is, in principle, very simple. The radiation characteristics of an aperture in an isotherm cavity made of an opaque absorbing material represents almost exactly the properties of a blackbody. A practical application of the principle to the construction of a perfect absorber of radiation consists of a box that is light tight except for an aperture in one of the sides. Any radiation which then enters the hole is scattered and absorbed by repeated reflections so only an infinitesimal fraction can possibly escape. The blackness which is obtained at the aperture is nearly equal to a blackbody and almost perfect for all wavelengths.

By providing such an isothermal cavity with a suitable heater it becomes what is termed a cavity radiator. An isothermal cavity heated to a uniform temperature generates blackbody radiation, the characteristics of which are determined solely by the temperature of the cavity. Such cavity radiators are commonly used as sources of radiation in temperature reference standards in the laboratory for calibrating thermographic instruments, such as a FLIR Systems camera for example.

If the temperature of blackbody radiation increases to more than 525°C (977°F), the source begins to be visible so that it appears to the eye no longer black. This is the incipient red heat temperature of the radiator, which then becomes orange or yellow as the temperature increases further. In fact, the definition of the so-called color temperature of an object is the temperature to which a blackbody would have to be heated to have the same appearance.

Now consider three expressions that describe the radiation emitted from a blackbody.

29.3.1 Planck’s law

Figure 29.3 Max Planck (1858–1947)

Max Planck (1858–1947) was able to describe the spectral distribution of the radiation from a blackbody by means of the following formula:

where:

Wλb	Blackbody spectral radiant emittance at wavelength λ.
c	Velocity of light = 3 × 108 m/s
h	Planck’s constant = 6.6 × 10-34 Joule sec.
k	Boltzmann’s constant = 1.4 × 10-23 Joule/K.
T	Absolute temperature (K) of a blackbody.
λ	Wavelength (μm).

Planck’s formula, when plotted graphically for various temperatures, produces a family of curves. Following any particular Planck curve, the spectral emittance is zero at λ = 0, then increases rapidly to a maximum at a wavelength λmax and after passing it approaches zero again at very long wavelengths. The higher the temperature, the shorter the wavelength at which maximum occurs.

Figure 29.4 Blackbody spectral radiant emittance according to Planck’s law, plotted for various absolute temperatures. 1: Spectral radiant emittance (W/cm2 × 103(μm)); 2: Wavelength (μm)

29.3.2 Wien’s displacement law

By differentiating Planck’s formula with respect to λ, and finding the maximum, we have:

This is Wien’s formula (after Wilhelm Wien, 1864–1928), which expresses mathematically the common observation that colors vary from red to orange or yellow as the temperature of a thermal radiator increases. The wavelength of the color is the same as the wavelength calculated for λmax. A good approximation of the value of λmax for a given blackbody temperature is obtained by applying the rule-of-thumb 3 000/T μm. Thus, a very hot star such as Sirius (11 000 K), emitting bluish-white light, radiates with the peak of spectral radiant emittance occurring within the invisible ultraviolet spectrum, at wavelength 0.27 μm.

Figure 29.5 Wilhelm Wien (1864–1928)

The sun (approx. 6 000 K) emits yellow light, peaking at about 0.5 μm in the middle of the visible light spectrum.

At room temperature (300 K) the peak of radiant emittance lies at 9.7 μm, in the far infrared, while at the temperature of liquid nitrogen (77 K) the maximum of the almost insignificant amount of radiant emittance occurs at 38 μm, in the extreme infrared wavelengths.

Figure 29.6 Planckian curves plotted on semi-log scales from 100 K to 1000 K. The dotted line represents the locus of maximum radiant emittance at each temperature as described by Wien's displacement law. 1: Spectral radiant emittance (W/cm2 (μm)); 2: Wavelength (μm).

29.3.3 Stefan-Boltzmann's law

By integrating Planck’s formula from λ = 0 to λ = ∞, we obtain the total radiant emittance (Wb) of a blackbody:

This is the Stefan-Boltzmann formula (after Josef Stefan, 1835–1893, and Ludwig Boltzmann, 1844–1906), which states that the total emissive power of a blackbody is proportional to the fourth power of its absolute temperature. Graphically, Wb represents the area below the Planck curve for a particular temperature. It can be shown that the radiant emittance in the interval λ = 0 to λmax is only 25% of the total, which represents about the amount of the sun’s radiation which lies inside the visible light spectrum.

Figure 29.7 Josef Stefan (1835–1893), and Ludwig Boltzmann (1844–1906)

Using the Stefan-Boltzmann formula to calculate the power radiated by the human body, at a temperature of 300 K and an external surface area of approx. 2 m2, we obtain 1 kW. This power loss could not be sustained if it were not for the compensating absorption of radiation from surrounding surfaces, at room temperatures which do not vary too drastically from the temperature of the body – or, of course, the addition of clothing.

29.3.4 Non-blackbody emitters

So far, only blackbody radiators and blackbody radiation have been discussed. However, real objects almost never comply with these laws over an extended wavelength region – although they may approach the blackbody behavior in certain spectral intervals. For example, a certain type of white paint may appear perfectly white in the visible light spectrum, but becomes distinctly gray at about 2 μm, and beyond 3 μm it is almost black.

There are three processes which can occur that prevent a real object from acting like a blackbody: a fraction of the incident radiation α may be absorbed, a fraction ρ may be reflected, and a fraction τ may be transmitted. Since all of these factors are more or less wavelength dependent, the subscript λ is used to imply the spectral dependence of their definitions. Thus:

The spectral absorptance αλ= the ratio of the spectral radiant power absorbed by an object to that incident upon it.
The spectral reflectance ρλ = the ratio of the spectral radiant power reflected by an object to that incident upon it.
The spectral transmittance τλ = the ratio of the spectral radiant power transmitted through an object to that incident upon it.

The sum of these three factors must always add up to the whole at any wavelength, so we have the relation:

For opaque materials τλ = 0 and the relation simplifies to:

Another factor, called the emissivity, is required to describe the fraction ε of the radiant emittance of a blackbody produced by an object at a specific temperature. Thus, we have the definition:

The spectral emissivity ελ= the ratio of the spectral radiant power from an object to that from a blackbody at the same temperature and wavelength.

Expressed mathematically, this can be written as the ratio of the spectral emittance of the object to that of a blackbody as follows:

Generally speaking, there are three types of radiation source, distinguished by the ways in which the spectral emittance of each varies with wavelength.

A blackbody, for which ελ = ε = 1
A graybody, for which ελ = ε = constant less than 1
A selective radiator, for which ε varies with wavelength

According to Kirchhoff’s law, for any material the spectral emissivity and spectral absorptance of a body are equal at any specified temperature and wavelength. That is:

From this we obtain, for an opaque material (since αλ + ρλ = 1):

For highly polished materials ελ approaches zero, so that for a perfectly reflecting material (i.e. a perfect mirror) we have:

For a graybody radiator, the Stefan-Boltzmann formula becomes:

This states that the total emissive power of a graybody is the same as a blackbody at the same temperature reduced in proportion to the value of ε from the graybody.

Figure 29.8 Spectral radiant emittance of three types of radiators. 1: Spectral radiant emittance; 2: Wavelength; 3: Blackbody; 4: Selective radiator; 5: Graybody.

Figure 29.9 Spectral emissivity of three types of radiators. 1: Spectral emissivity; 2: Wavelength; 3: Blackbody; 4: Graybody; 5: Selective radiator.

29.4 Infrared semi-transparent materials

Consider now a non-metallic, semi-transparent body – let us say, in the form of a thick flat plate of plastic material. When the plate is heated, radiation generated within its volume must work its way toward the surfaces through the material in which it is partially absorbed. Moreover, when it arrives at the surface, some of it is reflected back into the interior. The back-reflected radiation is again partially absorbed, but some of it arrives at the other surface, through which most of it escapes; part of it is reflected back again. Although the progressive reflections become weaker and weaker they must all be added up when the total emittance of the plate is sought. When the resulting geometrical series is summed, the effective emissivity of a semi-transparent plate is obtained as:

When the plate becomes opaque this formula is reduced to the single formula:

This last relation is a particularly convenient one, because it is often easier to measure reflectance than to measure emissivity directly.

30 The measurement formula

As already mentioned, when viewing an object, the camera receives radiation not only from the object itself. It also collects radiation from the surroundings reflected via the object surface. Both these radiation contributions become attenuated to some extent by the atmosphere in the measurement path. To this comes a third radiation contribution from the atmosphere itself.

This description of the measurement situation, as illustrated in the figure below, is so far a fairly true description of the real conditions. What has been neglected could for instance be sun light scattering in the atmosphere or stray radiation from intense radiation sources outside the field of view. Such disturbances are difficult to quantify, however, in most cases they are fortunately small enough to be neglected. In case they are not negligible, the measurement configuration is likely to be such that the risk for disturbance is obvious, at least to a trained operator. It is then his responsibility to modify the measurement situation to avoid the disturbance e.g. by changing the viewing direction, shielding off intense radiation sources etc.

Accepting the description above, we can use the figure below to derive a formula for the calculation of the object temperature from the calibrated camera output.

Figure 30.1 A schematic representation of the general thermographic measurement situation.1: Surroundings; 2: Object; 3: Atmosphere; 4: Camera

Assume that the received radiation power W from a blackbody source of temperature Tsource on short distance generates a camera output signal Usource that is proportional to the power input (power linear camera). We can then write (Equation 1):

or, with simplified notation:

where C is a constant.

Should the source be a graybody with emittance ε, the received radiation would consequently be εWsource.

We are now ready to write the three collected radiation power terms:

Emission from the object = ετWobj, where ε is the emittance of the object and τ is the transmittance of the atmosphere. The object temperature is Tobj.
Reflected emission from ambient sources = (1 – ε)τWrefl, where (1 – ε) is the reflectance of the object. The ambient sources have the temperature Trefl.
It has here been assumed that the temperature Trefl is the same for all emitting surfaces within the halfsphere seen from a point on the object surface. This is of course sometimes a simplification of the true situation. It is, however, a necessary simplification in order to derive a workable formula, and Trefl can – at least theoretically – be given a value that represents an efficient temperature of a complex surrounding.

Note also that we have assumed that the emittance for the surroundings = 1. This is correct in accordance with Kirchhoff’s law: All radiation impinging on the surrounding surfaces will eventually be absorbed by the same surfaces. Thus the emittance = 1. (Note though that the latest discussion requires the complete sphere around the object to be considered.)
Emission from the atmosphere = (1 – τ)τWatm, where (1 – τ) is the emittance of the atmosphere. The temperature of the atmosphere is Tatm.

The total received radiation power can now be written (Equation 2):

We multiply each term by the constant C of Equation 1 and replace the CW products by the corresponding U according to the same equation, and get (Equation 3):

Solve Equation 3 for Uobj (Equation 4):

This is the general measurement formula used in all the FLIR Systems thermographic equipment. The voltages of the formula are:

Table 30.1 Voltages

Uobj	Calculated camera output voltage for a blackbody of temperature Tobj i.e. a voltage that can be directly converted into true requested object temperature.
Utot	Measured camera output voltage for the actual case.
Urefl	Theoretical camera output voltage for a blackbody of temperature Trefl according to the calibration.
Uatm	Theoretical camera output voltage for a blackbody of temperature Tatm according to the calibration.

The operator has to supply a number of parameter values for the calculation:

the object emittance ε,
the relative humidity,
Tatm
object distance (Dobj)
the (effective) temperature of the object surroundings, or the reflected ambient temperature Trefl, and
the temperature of the atmosphere Tatm

This task could sometimes be a heavy burden for the operator since there are normally no easy ways to find accurate values of emittance and atmospheric transmittance for the actual case. The two temperatures are normally less of a problem provided the surroundings do not contain large and intense radiation sources.

A natural question in this connection is: How important is it to know the right values of these parameters? It could though be of interest to get a feeling for this problem already here by looking into some different measurement cases and compare the relative magnitudes of the three radiation terms. This will give indications about when it is important to use correct values of which parameters.

The figures below illustrates the relative magnitudes of the three radiation contributions for three different object temperatures, two emittances, and two spectral ranges: SW and LW. Remaining parameters have the following fixed values:

τ = 0.88
Trefl = +20°C (+68°F)
Tatm = +20°C (+68°F)

It is obvious that measurement of low object temperatures are more critical than measuring high temperatures since the ‘disturbing’ radiation sources are relatively much stronger in the first case. Should also the object emittance be low, the situation would be still more difficult.

We have finally to answer a question about the importance of being allowed to use the calibration curve above the highest calibration point, what we call extrapolation. Imagine that we in a certain case measure Utot = 4.5 volts. The highest calibration point for the camera was in the order of 4.1 volts, a value unknown to the operator. Thus, even if the object happened to be a blackbody, i.e. Uobj = Utot, we are actually performing extrapolation of the calibration curve when converting 4.5 volts into temperature.

Let us now assume that the object is not black, it has an emittance of 0.75, and the transmittance is 0.92. We also assume that the two second terms of Equation 4 amount to 0.5 volts together. Computation of Uobj by means of Equation 4 then results in Uobj = 4.5 / 0.75 / 0.92 – 0.5 = 6.0. This is a rather extreme extrapolation, particularly when considering that the video amplifier might limit the output to 5 volts! Note, though, that the application of the calibration curve is a theoretical procedure where no electronic or other limitations exist. We trust that if there had been no signal limitations in the camera, and if it had been calibrated far beyond 5 volts, the resulting curve would have been very much the same as our real curve extrapolated beyond 4.1 volts, provided the calibration algorithm is based on radiation physics, like the FLIR Systems algorithm. Of course there must be a limit to such extrapolations.

Figure 30.2 Relative magnitudes of radiation sources under varying measurement conditions (SW camera). 1: Object temperature; 2: Emittance; Obj: Object radiation; Refl: Reflected radiation; Atm: atmosphere radiation. Fixed parameters: τ = 0.88; Trefl = 20°C (+68°F); Tatm = 20°C (+68°F).

Figure 30.3 Relative magnitudes of radiation sources under varying measurement conditions (LW camera). 1: Object temperature; 2: Emittance; Obj: Object radiation; Refl: Reflected radiation; Atm: atmosphere radiation. Fixed parameters: τ = 0.88; Trefl = 20°C (+68°F); Tatm = 20°C (+68°F).

31 Emissivity tables

This section presents a compilation of emissivity data from the infrared literature and measurements made by FLIR Systems.

31.1 References

Mikaél A. Bramson: Infrared Radiation, A Handbook for Applications, Plenum press, N.Y.
William L. Wolfe, George J. Zissis: The Infrared Handbook, Office of Naval Research, Department of Navy, Washington, D.C.
Madding, R. P.: Thermographic Instruments and systems. Madison, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin – Extension, Department of Engineering and Applied Science.
William L. Wolfe: Handbook of Military Infrared Technology, Office of Naval Research, Department of Navy, Washington, D.C.
Jones, Smith, Probert: External thermography of buildings..., Proc. of the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers, vol.110, Industrial and Civil Applications of Infrared Technology, June 1977 London.
Paljak, Pettersson: Thermography of Buildings, Swedish Building Research Institute, Stockholm 1972.
Vlcek, J: Determination of emissivity with imaging radiometers and some emissivities at λ = 5 µm. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing.
Kern: Evaluation of infrared emission of clouds and ground as measured by weather satellites, Defence Documentation Center, AD 617 417.
Öhman, Claes: Emittansmätningar med AGEMA E-Box. Teknisk rapport, AGEMA 1999. (Emittance measurements using AGEMA E-Box. Technical report, AGEMA 1999.)
Matteï, S., Tang-Kwor, E: Emissivity measurements for Nextel Velvet coating 811-21 between –36°C AND 82°C.
Lohrengel & Todtenhaupt (1996)
ITC Technical publication 32.
ITC Technical publication 29.
Schuster, Norbert and Kolobrodov, Valentin G. Infrarotthermographie. Berlin: Wiley-VCH, 2000.

31.2 Tables

Table 31.1 T: Total spectrum; SW: 2–5 µm; LW: 8–14 µm, LLW: 6.5–20 µm; 1: Material; 2: Specification; 3:Temperature in °C; 4: Spectrum; 5: Emissivity: 6:Reference

1	2	3	4	5	6
3M type 35	Vinyl electrical tape (several colors)	< 80	LW	≈ 0.96	13
3M type 88	Black vinyl electrical tape	< 105	LW	≈ 0.96	13
3M type 88	Black vinyl electrical tape	< 105	MW	< 0.96	13
3M type Super 33+	Black vinyl electrical tape	< 80	LW	≈ 0.96	13
Aluminum	anodized sheet	100	T	0.55	2
Aluminum	anodized, black, dull	70	SW	0.67	9
Aluminum	anodized, black, dull	70	LW	0.95	9
Aluminum	anodized, light gray, dull	70	SW	0.61	9
Aluminum	anodized, light gray, dull	70	LW	0.97	9
Aluminum	as received, plate	100	T	0.09	4
Aluminum	as received, sheet	100	T	0.09	2
Aluminum	cast, blast cleaned	70	SW	0.47	9
Aluminum	cast, blast cleaned	70	LW	0.46	9
Aluminum	dipped in HNO3, plate	100	T	0.05	4
Aluminum	foil	27	10 µm	0.04	3
Aluminum	foil	27	3 µm	0.09	3
Aluminum	oxidized, strongly	50–500	T	0.2–0.3	1
Aluminum	polished	50–100	T	0.04–0.06	1
Aluminum	polished plate	100	T	0.05	4
Aluminum	polished, sheet	100	T	0.05	2
Aluminum	rough surface	20–50	T	0.06–0.07	1
Aluminum	roughened	27	10 µm	0.18	3
Aluminum	roughened	27	3 µm	0.28	3
Aluminum	sheet, 4 samples differently scratched	70	SW	0.05–0.08	9
Aluminum	sheet, 4 samples differently scratched	70	LW	0.03–0.06	9
Aluminum	vacuum deposited	20	T	0.04	2
Aluminum	weathered, heavily	17	SW	0.83–0.94	5
Aluminum bronze		20	T	0.60	1
Aluminum hydroxide	powder		T	0.28	1
Aluminum oxide	activated, powder		T	0.46	1
Aluminum oxide	pure, powder (alumina)		T	0.16	1
Asbestos	board	20	T	0.96	1
Asbestos	fabric		T	0.78	1
Asbestos	floor tile	35	SW	0.94	7
Asbestos	paper	40–400	T	0.93–0.95	1
Asbestos	powder		T	0.40–0.60	1
Asbestos	slate	20	T	0.96	1
Asphalt paving		4	LLW	0.967	8
Brass	dull, tarnished	20–350	T	0.22	1
Brass	oxidized	100	T	0.61	2
Brass	oxidized	70	SW	0.04–0.09	9
Brass	oxidized	70	LW	0.03–0.07	9
Brass	oxidized at 600°C	200–600	T	0.59–0.61	1
Brass	polished	200	T	0.03	1
Brass	polished, highly	100	T	0.03	2
Brass	rubbed with 80-grit emery	20	T	0.20	2
Brass	sheet, rolled	20	T	0.06	1
Brass	sheet, worked with emery	20	T	0.2	1
Brick	alumina	17	SW	0.68	5
Brick	common	17	SW	0.86–0.81	5
Brick	Dinas silica, glazed, rough	1100	T	0.85	1
Brick	Dinas silica, refractory	1000	T	0.66	1
Brick	Dinas silica, unglazed, rough	1000	T	0.80	1
Brick	firebrick	17	SW	0.68	5
Brick	fireclay	1000	T	0.75	1
Brick	fireclay	1200	T	0.59	1
Brick	fireclay	20	T	0.85	1
Brick	masonry	35	SW	0.94	7
Brick	masonry, plastered	20	T	0.94	1
Brick	red, common	20	T	0.93	2
Brick	red, rough	20	T	0.88–0.93	1
Brick	refractory, corundum	1000	T	0.46	1
Brick	refractory, magnesite	1000–1300	T	0.38	1
Brick	refractory, strongly radiating	500–1000	T	0.8–0.9	1
Brick	refractory, weakly radiating	500–1000	T	0.65–0.75	1
Brick	silica, 95% SiO2	1230	T	0.66	1
Brick	sillimanite, 33% SiO2, 64% Al2O3	1500	T	0.29	1
Brick	waterproof	17	SW	0.87	5
Bronze	phosphor bronze	70	SW	0.08	9
Bronze	phosphor bronze	70	LW	0.06	9
Bronze	polished	50	T	0.1	1
Bronze	porous, rough	50–150	T	0.55	1
Bronze	powder		T	0.76–0.80	1
Carbon	candle soot	20	T	0.95	2
Carbon	charcoal powder		T	0.96	1
Carbon	graphite powder		T	0.97	1
Carbon	graphite, filed surface	20	T	0.98	2
Carbon	lampblack	20–400	T	0.95–0.97	1
Chipboard	untreated	20	SW	0.90	6
Chromium	polished	50	T	0.10	1
Chromium	polished	500–1000	T	0.28–0.38	1
Clay	fired	70	T	0.91	1
Cloth	black	20	T	0.98	1
Concrete		20	T	0.92	2
Concrete	dry	36	SW	0.95	7
Concrete	rough	17	SW	0.97	5
Concrete	walkway	5	LLW	0.974	8
Copper	commercial, burnished	20	T	0.07	1
Copper	electrolytic, carefully polished	80	T	0.018	1
Copper	electrolytic, polished	–34	T	0.006	4
Copper	molten	1100–1300	T	0.13–0.15	1
Copper	oxidized	50	T	0.6–0.7	1
Copper	oxidized to blackness		T	0.88	1
Copper	oxidized, black	27	T	0.78	4
Copper	oxidized, heavily	20	T	0.78	2
Copper	polished	50–100	T	0.02	1
Copper	polished	100	T	0.03	2
Copper	polished, commercial	27	T	0.03	4
Copper	polished, mechanical	22	T	0.015	4
Copper	pure, carefully prepared surface	22	T	0.008	4
Copper	scraped	27	T	0.07	4
Copper dioxide	powder		T	0.84	1
Copper oxide	red, powder		T	0.70	1
Ebonite			T	0.89	1
Emery	coarse	80	T	0.85	1
Enamel		20	T	0.9	1
Enamel	lacquer	20	T	0.85–0.95	1
Fiber board	hard, untreated	20	SW	0.85	6
Fiber board	masonite	70	SW	0.75	9
Fiber board	masonite	70	LW	0.88	9
Fiber board	particle board	70	SW	0.77	9
Fiber board	particle board	70	LW	0.89	9
Fiber board	porous, untreated	20	SW	0.85	6
Glass pane (float glass)	non-coated	20	LW	0.97	14
Gold	polished	130	T	0.018	1
Gold	polished, carefully	200–600	T	0.02–0.03	1
Gold	polished, highly	100	T	0.02	2
Granite	polished	20	LLW	0.849	8
Granite	rough	21	LLW	0.879	8
Granite	rough, 4 different samples	70	SW	0.95–0.97	9
Granite	rough, 4 different samples	70	LW	0.77–0.87	9
Gypsum		20	T	0.8–0.9	1
Ice: See Water
Iron and steel	cold rolled	70	SW	0.20	9
Iron and steel	cold rolled	70	LW	0.09	9
Iron and steel	covered with red rust	20	T	0.61–0.85	1
Iron and steel	electrolytic	100	T	0.05	4
Iron and steel	electrolytic	22	T	0.05	4
Iron and steel	electrolytic	260	T	0.07	4
Iron and steel	electrolytic, carefully polished	175–225	T	0.05–0.06	1
Iron and steel	freshly worked with emery	20	T	0.24	1
Iron and steel	ground sheet	950–1100	T	0.55–0.61	1
Iron and steel	heavily rusted sheet	20	T	0.69	2
Iron and steel	hot rolled	130	T	0.60	1
Iron and steel	hot rolled	20	T	0.77	1
Iron and steel	oxidized	100	T	0.74	4
Iron and steel	oxidized	100	T	0.74	1
Iron and steel	oxidized	1227	T	0.89	4
Iron and steel	oxidized	125–525	T	0.78–0.82	1
Iron and steel	oxidized	200	T	0.79	2
Iron and steel	oxidized	200–600	T	0.80	1
Iron and steel	oxidized strongly	50	T	0.88	1
Iron and steel	oxidized strongly	500	T	0.98	1
Iron and steel	polished	100	T	0.07	2
Iron and steel	polished	400–1000	T	0.14–0.38	1
Iron and steel	polished sheet	750–1050	T	0.52–0.56	1
Iron and steel	rolled sheet	50	T	0.56	1
Iron and steel	rolled, freshly	20	T	0.24	1
Iron and steel	rough, plane surface	50	T	0.95–0.98	1
Iron and steel	rusted red, sheet	22	T	0.69	4
Iron and steel	rusted, heavily	17	SW	0.96	5
Iron and steel	rusty, red	20	T	0.69	1
Iron and steel	shiny oxide layer, sheet,	20	T	0.82	1
Iron and steel	shiny, etched	150	T	0.16	1
Iron and steel	wrought, carefully polished	40–250	T	0.28	1
Iron galvanized	heavily oxidized	70	SW	0.64	9
Iron galvanized	heavily oxidized	70	LW	0.85	9
Iron galvanized	sheet	92	T	0.07	4
Iron galvanized	sheet, burnished	30	T	0.23	1
Iron galvanized	sheet, oxidized	20	T	0.28	1
Iron tinned	sheet	24	T	0.064	4
Iron, cast	casting	50	T	0.81	1
Iron, cast	ingots	1000	T	0.95	1
Iron, cast	liquid	1300	T	0.28	1
Iron, cast	machined	800–1000	T	0.60–0.70	1
Iron, cast	oxidized	100	T	0.64	2
Iron, cast	oxidized	260	T	0.66	4
Iron, cast	oxidized	38	T	0.63	4
Iron, cast	oxidized	538	T	0.76	4
Iron, cast	oxidized at 600°C	200–600	T	0.64–0.78	1
Iron, cast	polished	200	T	0.21	1
Iron, cast	polished	38	T	0.21	4
Iron, cast	polished	40	T	0.21	2
Iron, cast	unworked	900–1100	T	0.87–0.95	1
Krylon Ultra-flat black 1602	Flat black	Room temperature up to 175	LW	≈ 0.96	12
Krylon Ultra-flat black 1602	Flat black	Room temperature up to 175	MW	≈ 0.97	12
Lacquer	3 colors sprayed on Aluminum	70	SW	0.50–0.53	9
Lacquer	3 colors sprayed on Aluminum	70	LW	0.92–0.94	9
Lacquer	Aluminum on rough surface	20	T	0.4	1
Lacquer	bakelite	80	T	0.83	1
Lacquer	black, dull	40–100	T	0.96–0.98	1
Lacquer	black, matte	100	T	0.97	2
Lacquer	black, shiny, sprayed on iron	20	T	0.87	1
Lacquer	heat–resistant	100	T	0.92	1
Lacquer	white	100	T	0.92	2
Lacquer	white	40–100	T	0.8–0.95	1
Lead	oxidized at 200°C	200	T	0.63	1
Lead	oxidized, gray	20	T	0.28	1
Lead	oxidized, gray	22	T	0.28	4
Lead	shiny	250	T	0.08	1
Lead	unoxidized, polished	100	T	0.05	4
Lead red		100	T	0.93	4
Lead red, powder		100	T	0.93	1
Leather	tanned		T	0.75–0.80	1
Lime			T	0.3–0.4	1
Magnesium		22	T	0.07	4
Magnesium		260	T	0.13	4
Magnesium		538	T	0.18	4
Magnesium	polished	20	T	0.07	2
Magnesium powder			T	0.86	1
Molybdenum		1500–2200	T	0.19–0.26	1
Molybdenum		600–1000	T	0.08–0.13	1
Molybdenum	filament	700–2500	T	0.1–0.3	1
Mortar		17	SW	0.87	5
Mortar	dry	36	SW	0.94	7
Nextel Velvet 811-21 Black	Flat black	–60–150	LW	> 0.97	10 and 11
Nichrome	rolled	700	T	0.25	1
Nichrome	sandblasted	700	T	0.70	1
Nichrome	wire, clean	50	T	0.65	1
Nichrome	wire, clean	500–1000	T	0.71–0.79	1
Nichrome	wire, oxidized	50–500	T	0.95–0.98	1
Nickel	bright matte	122	T	0.041	4
Nickel	commercially pure, polished	100	T	0.045	1
Nickel	commercially pure, polished	200–400	T	0.07–0.09	1
Nickel	electrolytic	22	T	0.04	4
Nickel	electrolytic	260	T	0.07	4
Nickel	electrolytic	38	T	0.06	4
Nickel	electrolytic	538	T	0.10	4
Nickel	electroplated on iron, polished	22	T	0.045	4
Nickel	electroplated on iron, unpolished	20	T	0.11–0.40	1
Nickel	electroplated on iron, unpolished	22	T	0.11	4
Nickel	electroplated, polished	20	T	0.05	2
Nickel	oxidized	1227	T	0.85	4
Nickel	oxidized	200	T	0.37	2
Nickel	oxidized	227	T	0.37	4
Nickel	oxidized at 600°C	200–600	T	0.37–0.48	1
Nickel	polished	122	T	0.045	4
Nickel	wire	200–1000	T	0.1–0.2	1
Nickel oxide		1000–1250	T	0.75–0.86	1
Nickel oxide		500–650	T	0.52–0.59	1
Oil, lubricating	0.025 mm film	20	T	0.27	2
Oil, lubricating	0.050 mm film	20	T	0.46	2
Oil, lubricating	0.125 mm film	20	T	0.72	2
Oil, lubricating	film on Ni base: Ni base only	20	T	0.05	2
Oil, lubricating	thick coating	20	T	0.82	2
Paint	8 different colors and qualities	70	SW	0.88–0.96	9
Paint	8 different colors and qualities	70	LW	0.92–0.94	9
Paint	Aluminum, various ages	50–100	T	0.27–0.67	1
Paint	cadmium yellow		T	0.28–0.33	1
Paint	chrome green		T	0.65–0.70	1
Paint	cobalt blue		T	0.7–0.8	1
Paint	oil	17	SW	0.87	5
Paint	oil based, average of 16 colors	100	T	0.94	2
Paint	oil, black flat	20	SW	0.94	6
Paint	oil, black gloss	20	SW	0.92	6
Paint	oil, gray flat	20	SW	0.97	6
Paint	oil, gray gloss	20	SW	0.96	6
Paint	oil, various colors	100	T	0.92–0.96	1
Paint	plastic, black	20	SW	0.95	6
Paint	plastic, white	20	SW	0.84	6
Paper	4 different colors	70	SW	0.68–0.74	9
Paper	4 different colors	70	LW	0.92–0.94	9
Paper	black		T	0.90	1
Paper	black, dull		T	0.94	1
Paper	black, dull	70	SW	0.86	9
Paper	black, dull	70	LW	0.89	9
Paper	blue, dark		T	0.84	1
Paper	coated with black lacquer		T	0.93	1
Paper	green		T	0.85	1
Paper	red		T	0.76	1
Paper	white	20	T	0.7–0.9	1
Paper	white bond	20	T	0.93	2
Paper	white, 3 different glosses	70	SW	0.76–0.78	9
Paper	white, 3 different glosses	70	LW	0.88–0.90	9
Paper	yellow		T	0.72	1
Plaster		17	SW	0.86	5
Plaster	plasterboard, untreated	20	SW	0.90	6
Plaster	rough coat	20	T	0.91	2
Plastic	glass fibre laminate (printed circ. board)	70	SW	0.94	9
Plastic	glass fibre laminate (printed circ. board)	70	LW	0.91	9
Plastic	polyurethane isolation board	70	LW	0.55	9
Plastic	polyurethane isolation board	70	SW	0.29	9
Plastic	PVC, plastic floor, dull, structured	70	SW	0.94	9
Plastic	PVC, plastic floor, dull, structured	70	LW	0.93	9
Platinum		100	T	0.05	4
Platinum		1000–1500	T	0.14–0.18	1
Platinum		1094	T	0.18	4
Platinum		17	T	0.016	4
Platinum		22	T	0.03	4
Platinum		260	T	0.06	4
Platinum		538	T	0.10	4
Platinum	pure, polished	200–600	T	0.05–0.10	1
Platinum	ribbon	900–1100	T	0.12–0.17	1
Platinum	wire	1400	T	0.18	1
Platinum	wire	500–1000	T	0.10–0.16	1
Platinum	wire	50–200	T	0.06–0.07	1
Porcelain	glazed	20	T	0.92	1
Porcelain	white, shiny		T	0.70–0.75	1
Rubber	hard	20	T	0.95	1
Rubber	soft, gray, rough	20	T	0.95	1
Sand			T	0.60	1
Sand		20	T	0.90	2
Sandstone	polished	19	LLW	0.909	8
Sandstone	rough	19	LLW	0.935	8
Silver	polished	100	T	0.03	2
Silver	pure, polished	200–600	T	0.02–0.03	1
Skin	human	32	T	0.98	2
Slag	boiler	0–100	T	0.97–0.93	1
Slag	boiler	1400–1800	T	0.69–0.67	1
Slag	boiler	200–500	T	0.89–0.78	1
Slag	boiler	600–1200	T	0.76–0.70	1
Snow: See Water
Soil	dry	20	T	0.92	2
Soil	saturated with water	20	T	0.95	2
Stainless steel	alloy, 8% Ni, 18% Cr	500	T	0.35	1
Stainless steel	rolled	700	T	0.45	1
Stainless steel	sandblasted	700	T	0.70	1
Stainless steel	sheet, polished	70	SW	0.18	9
Stainless steel	sheet, polished	70	LW	0.14	9
Stainless steel	sheet, untreated, somewhat scratched	70	SW	0.30	9
Stainless steel	sheet, untreated, somewhat scratched	70	LW	0.28	9
Stainless steel	type 18-8, buffed	20	T	0.16	2
Stainless steel	type 18-8, oxidized at 800°C	60	T	0.85	2
Stucco	rough, lime	10–90	T	0.91	1
Styrofoam	insulation	37	SW	0.60	7
Tar			T	0.79–0.84	1
Tar	paper	20	T	0.91–0.93	1
Tile	glazed	17	SW	0.94	5
Tin	burnished	20–50	T	0.04–0.06	1
Tin	tin–plated sheet iron	100	T	0.07	2
Titanium	oxidized at 540°C	1000	T	0.60	1
Titanium	oxidized at 540°C	200	T	0.40	1
Titanium	oxidized at 540°C	500	T	0.50	1
Titanium	polished	1000	T	0.36	1
Titanium	polished	200	T	0.15	1
Titanium	polished	500	T	0.20	1
Tungsten		1500–2200	T	0.24–0.31	1
Tungsten		200	T	0.05	1
Tungsten		600–1000	T	0.1–0.16	1
Tungsten	filament	3300	T	0.39	1
Varnish	flat	20	SW	0.93	6
Varnish	on oak parquet floor	70	SW	0.90	9
Varnish	on oak parquet floor	70	LW	0.90–0.93	9
Wallpaper	slight pattern, light gray	20	SW	0.85	6
Wallpaper	slight pattern, red	20	SW	0.90	6
Water	distilled	20	T	0.96	2
Water	frost crystals	–10	T	0.98	2
Water	ice, covered with heavy frost	0	T	0.98	1
Water	ice, smooth	0	T	0.97	1
Water	ice, smooth	–10	T	0.96	2
Water	layer >0.1 mm thick	0–100	T	0.95–0.98	1
Water	snow		T	0.8	1
Water	snow	–10	T	0.85	2
Wood		17	SW	0.98	5
Wood		19	LLW	0.962	8
Wood	ground		T	0.5–0.7	1
Wood	pine, 4 different samples	70	SW	0.67–0.75	9
Wood	pine, 4 different samples	70	LW	0.81–0.89	9
Wood	planed	20	T	0.8–0.9	1
Wood	planed oak	20	T	0.90	2
Wood	planed oak	70	SW	0.77	9
Wood	planed oak	70	LW	0.88	9
Wood	plywood, smooth, dry	36	SW	0.82	7
Wood	plywood, untreated	20	SW	0.83	6
Wood	white, damp	20	T	0.7–0.8	1
Zinc	oxidized at 400°C	400	T	0.11	1
Zinc	oxidized surface	1000–1200	T	0.50–0.60	1
Zinc	polished	200–300	T	0.04–0.05	1
Zinc	sheet	50	T	0.20	1