The purpose here is to open your perceptions
to infrared as an advanced technology security application and specifically
that infrared can be used to monitor people in high density public
areas where visual determinations can be made as to whether an individual,
or terrorist group, are concealing hidden weapons or a bomb vest
under their clothing. Infrared will let you see the unusual thermal
patterns created on the human body by these concealed devices and
a trained IR operator would have the necessary knowledge to make
appropriate infrared security assessments.
The heat given off by a human body can be used to identify hidden
objects on a person that do not fit a regular thermal pattern of
body heat. Once an irregularity is identified it would allow for
the selection, identification and interview of a person who may
pose a threat to the well being of large numbers of people in high-density
public areas. These settings can include airports, subways, train
stations, bus stations, theatres, concerts, sporting events, as
well as in other large venue gatherings. IR provides an extra layer
of security information which when interpreted by the IR operator
can aid security personnel in determining whether an elevated suspicion
level may exist for a person, or persons, to be selected for a non-custodial
interview.
In ideal circumstances IR in security applications would utilize
a fixed IR camera system using an intelligent software application
to alert security of potential threats to the public, at perimeter
areas, in high-density public areas from persons with hidden body
weapons or bomb vests. The perimeter access areas and the activity
zone before a high-density public area would also use IR operators
with handheld IR cameras to compliment and add mobility to fixed
IR camera systems, as well as allow for more accurate thermal field
interpretations of possible risk subjects. IR operators with handheld
units can also be utilized in situations where fixed infrastructure
IR security systems are not in place.
The problem with infrared security systems, as I see it, is that
they are seldom used, or even in use, partially because of cost
factors and of unfamiliarity with infrared security applications,
but primarily because a layer of infrastructure would need to be
established to implement fixed camera IR security systems. Also,
that private corporations and public institutions have not yet fully
recognized the benefits infrared security technology applications
can afford them in protecting employees, customers, and the public
from the types of threats an individual or group with a hidden weapon
or wearing a bomb vest would pose. We have been fortunate as a country
in this regard, but we should not be complacent of its possibilities.
The need to add infrared security applications to current security
systems and programs has to be perceived by security administrators
as a necessary and vital technology upgrade. They will also need
to realize that infrared will strengthen and improve their current
security measures even if just implemented using one mobile IR operator
with a handheld IR camera. This would be the most cost effective
first step in introducing IR into a security program. Sophistication
can be added with fixed IR cameras and combined CCTV systems at
a later time to be complimented by the mobile handheld IR camera
operators for a superior IR security application. Training for personnel
would also be necessary for a successful program of this type.
Infrared as a Layered Security Approach
An infrared security program can be established to work alone or
as part of security layers used in conjunction with a behavioral
assessment system and a bomb dog program. All three can be coordinated
in a layered approach to provide the best possible threat coverage
for large groups of people in high-density public areas. This would
give private or public agencies the advanced technology application
of infrared as a thermal recognition system matched to and complimenting
regular CCTV systems, a psychological behavior system and a scent
system (bomb dogs) all working together to optimize the overall
security threat assessment program and maximizing public safety
from a concealed device threat.
An infrared surveillance system would need to be established away
from the critical public areas to monitor perimeter access points.
A layered security approach can be established at the perimeter
and in the activity zone between access points and high-density
public areas using a combination of infrared behavioral assessment,
and bomb dog unit. An infrared security system used in conjunction
with the behavioral assessment system and bomb dog unit, as previously
mentioned would provide a more precise methodology for interdicting
possible terrorist activity and individual threats to public safety
in high-density public areas. Infrared when used in conjunction
with a behavioral assessment system compliments the psychological
factors of behavior and appearance with infrared's ability to visually
observe (thermally) and document with an image any abnormalities
our eyes can't see that a possible individual or group were attempting
to purposely hide. The individual or group purpose, of course, would
be to penetrate into commonly perceived secure high density public
areas in an attempt to destroy lives and infrastructure in a terrorist
cause. The behavioral assessors have indicators and clues to make
predeterminations of possible risk candidates and infrared has its
own indicators and clues to compliment the same. The point to be
made here is for you to perceive infrared as an advanced technology
'sight' application where we can see a hidden anomaly like a gun,
grenade, bomb vest or automatic weapon against the normal thermal
signature of the human body. A private or public agency's best deterrent
to the individual act or terrorist groups efforts to do harm to
others is with better intelligence, and they will not be aware that
you have a high technology infrared security program to 'see' what
they do not want you to see. Infrared as a security application
can do this for you.
See Your Home as You’ve
Never Seen It Before with Infrared!
How would you like to really see what you’re really getting
for your money on a new home purchase instead of being told by someone
where your suspected new home problems are? For most of us a new
home purchase is the costliest investment we’ll make in our
lifetime, and I’ve stopped wondering why new home buyers don’t
think of using infrared to negotiate their home purchase. Or also,
why all homeowners do not think of using infrared to locate the
causes of their homes water problems, to improve heating efficiency,
or to validate work you have done on your house. I think it’s
because… homeowners just don’t know what infrared can
do for them, it’s that simple!
Infrared (IR) sees a different world than we do. Infrared sees your
home like the alien in the movie Predator sees it; in red, white,
yellow, green, and blue. An infrared inspection of your home will
give you the visual picture, in infrared, along with the information
and knowledge that you can’t get from conventional inspection
methods. You’re actually able to see where your home loses
heat, where the roof leaks, where moisture is located behind walls,
how high up wallboard was damaged by flooding, where the radiant
heat lines are not working, where missing insulation is, how much
of your new ceiling has water damage so your contractor knows exactly
how big an area to repair, and if there are problems with your homes
electrical or mechanical systems. Infrared will give you the knowledge
to what the problem items are, and you can use this as leverage
to negotiate a homes price before you buy. I could go on and on
about the different home problems that you could encounter in a
new home purchase but those of you who are already homeowners know
what I mean. What you may not be aware of is what commercial
building owners have known for awhile and that is infrared gives
you the best dollar value for your building inspection. It’s
only a matter of time before residential home owners realize the
same and infrared home inspections become more commonplace.
When contracting infrared (IR) services you should find a company
with certified infrared thermographers, that way you’re sure
to have someone who’s trained to properly interpret the infrared
images taken of your home. Make sure they have business insurance
and that they don’t do IR inspections as a supplement to their
electrical or mechanical businesses services. Take the time to tell
your home problem to the thermographer either by email or phone
to see if it can be solved with IR, it usually can, but you’ll
get a better feel as to whether their company may be a good fit
for you by corresponding with them first. Ask for a quote and what
services you’ll receive in return and don’t have a third
party be responsible for payment of your IR services. You want the
company doing your inspection responsible to you and not the party
paying the bill. Prices I find do vary in different regions of the
country, with some IR companies charging by a homes square footage
and some by a flat fee with additional charges for travel. It usually
costs more for a company that’s located farther away, so find
someone close if it’s possible. Also make sure they are using
newer IR camera equipment and not older tech cameras. Get the best
available image resolution, a 320x240 detector is best, and ask
what type camera the inspection company uses. I find different manufacturers
offer better products. Your infrared home inspection could be as
simple as providing a printed image of a problem to a printed and
bound home report to a report on CD or a video in infrared of
your situation or any combination of these reporting methods.
So make sure you are comfortable with the infrared company you choose,
ask questions, and determine how helpful they’ve been prior
to your infrared home inspection. But I guarantee you won’t
believe what you’ll see of your home until you’ve seen
it with Infrared!
An IR Observation: Ghosts and IR
 |
I like to watch the Ghost Hunter Show on cable when I can, it's
entertaining, and give those guys credit 'cause they have a good
gig goin. I'm not going to goof on the show because like I said
I like it, but I could save them some time regarding ghosts and
IR. From personal experience with IR and using it late at night
and early early mornings I've made what I think are some good observations
about ghosts and how they relate to IR. |
Here they are:
1. Ghosts don't like commercial buildings. Been in lots of commercial
buildings late night/early mornings haven't seen one ghost. I'm
usually alone, it's around 2:30 AM, I'm armed with a couple of flashlights,
a digital SLR w/flash (a large flash), and the IR camera. Haven't
seen any ghosts in a commercial building. Although, I did see something
in an old Victorian condo rehab, but it was my reflection scared
the _ _ _ _ out of me! It was 3 in the morning, it happens.
2. Ghosts may occupy residential buildings but, I haven't seen
any.
Most homeowners don't want me in their home at 3 AM. So no luck
there so far.
3. Ghosts don't like TV cameras. I think a couple of guys with
a good camera and flash, and a camcorder might have better luck.
It's easier to scare a couple of guys who are alone at 3 AM, which
ghosts like to do, and whose imaginations are running wild (cause
they're trying to film ghosts) than it is to scare a whole TV crew
making all kinds of noise and everything else that goes with making
a TV show. Then, if you do find anything you can do a reenactment
like the cop shows do, then, show the pictures and camcorder vid
you got of the ghosts and that would be believable.
4. They should be charging someone for an IR building survey! You
don't ever once hear of the client being charged for an infrared
building survey, it just seems wrong and a waste of good IR. Anyway,
just watch and enjoy the show, it's good stuff and the main thing
is you get to watch them using a good IR camera on TV.
"See what you can't see in infrared!"
- Articles written by Dave Sawyer. Copyright ©
2006. |
