How to get process image from FLIR?

Hi, I am doing a project based on thermal image processing. I want to gain data captured from FLIR camera, process it through matlab and send the data back into PLC to calibrate the control element based on parameter set. How do I first get the data from the FLIR to be process in the matlab since pseudocolor image wont do the trick (get the temperature correct). Thank you

[Tala]

Depending on your camera model and your data collection techniques, you can process your data in many different ways.

Most techniques to process RGB images can be applied to thermal images. If your camera supports exporting csv files (FLIR high-end models do have this feature) and you have FLIR research IR software subscription, you probably don’t need Matlab fancy image processing techniques at all to be honest.

You would get more support from the community if you share sample images and explain what info you want to extract!

[Walter Roberson]

https://www.mathworks.com/hardware-support/flir.html

https://www.mathworks.com/videos/thermal-analysis-with-matlab-and-flir-cameras-98177.html (and https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/49747-thermal-analysis-with-matlab-and-flir-cameras-demo-files )

[Hakim Suwaniza]

Thanks for the input Walter and Faraz. As for the sample, I am away from my campus for the week, and I will attach the sample as soon I start running my plant probably by Friday.

Answer 1

[Image Analyst]

I think all but the lowest model FLIR camera will give you the temperature image. If you unfortunately have the cheapest model you can either spend just a little more and get the next model up, or look at the attached demo.

As far as for sending info to a PLC, I don't know how to do that.

[Walter Roberson]

When I looked a couple of years ago, only the high end models allowed you to access the actual temperature data. Perhaps that has changed

[Image Analyst]

I don't know. I'd have to check. All I know is that when I talked with a FLIR engineer, who came to visit us about 3 years ago, he said they all can export the temperature image except for the lowest FLIR One camera that clips onto a smartphone. I specifically asked him about that because I'd been seeing people ask this RGB-to-temperature question over and over here in Answers.

[Tala]

My experience is similar to Walter! Images were fine but you couldn’t get temperature info for each pixel in videos…All models gives you a heat map with a color bar, but in order to get the the actual temperature (csv files) your camera had to be above a certain model and you had to pay for FLIR research IR software. This is about 7 years ago…!

Things change and they might have updated their software…

On the other hand, I rarely needed to use Matlab for image processing…FLIR software had all the features I needed!

[Image Analyst]

@Hakim Suwaniza, what is the specific model of camera you have?

[Hakim Suwaniza]

Hi, sorry for the late response. I am using FLIR T440, according to the manual the picture would either be in jpeg format. I do not have the information on either it havs .csv extension, but I will contact FLIR as soon as possible. I do have ResearchIR but I think its on trial, gotta get the license from administration of my university.

[Image Analyst]

@Hakim Suwaniza that T440 camera is not listed on FLIR's web site, possibly because it's discontinued. So I can't find out any info about it and suggest you call them and ask them if there is any way to export the actual temperatures (not a pseudocolored image) in any kind of file format, like a CSV file.

[Walter Roberson]

An old datasheet https://www.atecorp.com/atecorp/media/pdfs/data-sheets/flir-t440-wifi_specifictions.pdf indicates that the T440 can export csv using the optional software.

I also see that the T440 has wifi, and I see that FLIR Tools for Android https://www.testequipmentdepot.com/flir/pdf/flir-tools-android_datasheet.pdf can export to csv for FLIR cameras with WiFi.

[Hakim Suwaniza]

Thank you for the help Walter for providing the manual on FLIR T440.. I will go through with it once I test run the plant again.. And thank you Image Analyst for the demo given. I do have questions on your demo but I will reach you some other time after playing with FLIR and find a dead end.

[Image Analyst]

Alright. Then should we finish this discussion for now by you clicking the "Accept this answer" link? 🙂 Otherwise ask your questions.