Thermal image sensors require precise readings to ensure accurate temperature measurements. Non-uniformity correction (NUC) is a crucial process that addresses minor heat fluctuations in the internal components, lens temperature, and lens characteristics, which can affect calibration. By utilizing a flat, even scene as a reference, NUC calibrates all pixels to read the same temperatures, resulting in consistent output.
During a NUC, the camera utilizes a shutter to cover the sensor and obtain a flat temperature reading, essential for the calibration process.
NUC plays a vital role in compensating for minor detector drift resulting from changes in the scene and environment. The camera's own heat can interfere with temperature readings, but NUC enhances accuracy by measuring infrared radiation from its optics and adjusting the image accordingly. This adjustment involves modifying the gain and offset for each pixel, leading to higher quality and more accurate images.
During the NUC process, the camera's shutter descends between the optic and the detector, causing a clicking sound and briefly freezing the image stream. The shutter acts as a flat reference source for the detector, enabling calibration and thermal stabilization.
Upon startup, thermal cameras frequently execute NUC. As the camera reaches a stable operating temperature, the frequency of NUC decreases. While thermal images can be obtained approximately 20 seconds after powering on the camera, it is advisable to allow for a warm-up time of at least 20 minutes in a stable environment to achieve optimal temperature measurement accuracy.
Most Fluke cameras automatically performs NUC at roughly every 60 seconds once stable; however, a manual NUC function is also available. In most Fluke cameras this is accomplished when you press the power button once briefly during operation. This function can be utilized before measuring temperatures or capturing crucial images to ensure the utmost accuracy.
During a NUC, the camera utilizes a shutter to cover the sensor and obtain a flat temperature reading, essential for the calibration process.
NUC plays a vital role in compensating for minor detector drift resulting from changes in the scene and environment. The camera's own heat can interfere with temperature readings, but NUC enhances accuracy by measuring infrared radiation from its optics and adjusting the image accordingly. This adjustment involves modifying the gain and offset for each pixel, leading to higher quality and more accurate images.
During the NUC process, the camera's shutter descends between the optic and the detector, causing a clicking sound and briefly freezing the image stream. The shutter acts as a flat reference source for the detector, enabling calibration and thermal stabilization.
Upon startup, thermal cameras frequently execute NUC. As the camera reaches a stable operating temperature, the frequency of NUC decreases. While thermal images can be obtained approximately 20 seconds after powering on the camera, it is advisable to allow for a warm-up time of at least 20 minutes in a stable environment to achieve optimal temperature measurement accuracy.
Most Fluke cameras automatically performs NUC at roughly every 60 seconds once stable; however, a manual NUC function is also available. In most Fluke cameras this is accomplished when you press the power button once briefly during operation. This function can be utilized before measuring temperatures or capturing crucial images to ensure the utmost accuracy.