What is the difference between Detection, Recognition & Identification (DRI)？
Sales Engineer:Grace Gao
Email:grace@bri-elec.com
WhatsApp:0086-199 2997 5286
One of the most common questions we get asked regarding thermal products is “how far will I be able to see a heat signature?”… This is a great question and a vital piece of information needed for selecting a thermal device to purchase.
The first thing to note, is that many manufacturers will proudly boast their maximum detection distance, and this will be the big number listed in all spec tables. It is important to know that this does not tell the full story.
All thermal cameras have a Detection range, Recognition range and Identification range. This will vary depending on a number of factors including sensor resolution, lens size, thermal sensitivity & F-Number of the lens. All 4 of these factors will play a role in determining the DRI ranges of a camera.
First, let’s define what each range means. It is important to note that most ranges listed by manufacturers are of a man-sized object of 1.80mx0.5m and must be adjusted accordingly if dealing with larger or smaller objects:
Detection – At the maximum detection distance, you are able to see that something is there. At the maximum detection distance I cannot tell what the object is, just that a heat signature is present.
Detection distance means that the thermal imager can, in the best working condition, accurately detect the target object at the farthest distance. Through its high-sensitivity thermal sensor and optimized imaging algorithm, the thermal imager can capture the target object at a long distance Infrared heat radiation, which makes it possible to quickly detect the target in a scene that requires long-distance observation and monitoring, providing us with accurate information and a basis for judgment.
Recognition – The recognition distance is where you can start to gauge what that something is. At this distance you will be getting a pretty good idea that what you are looking at is a man and not a kangaroo for example.
Recognition distance refers to the furthest distance a thermal imager can clearly identify a target object. Within the range of the recognition distance, the thermal imager can not only capture the thermal energy distribution of the target object, but also through accurate image analysis and processing, quickly identify the target Features and attributes. This provides strong support for work and applications in various fields, such as military reconnaissance, field survey, security surveillance, etc. Whether it is in the dark environment or in complex weather conditions, the thermal imager can Help us accurately identify the target, let us better make decisions and actions.
Identification – The identification distance is often crucial, especially if we are talking about thermal scopes. At this distance you will be confident that you are looking at a man, and you will be able to distinguish identifying features such as if the man was wearing a hat.
Identification distance refers to the furthest distance that the thermal imager can clearly distinguish the size, shape and structure of the target object. By analyzing and processing the thermal energy distribution of the target object, the thermal imager can provide accurate contour and texture information, enabling us to To better identify the type and characteristics of the target object. This is especially important for the fields of engineering surveying, construction inspection, fire rescue, etc., and it can help us quickly and accurately determine the state and characteristics of the target object.
Another important factor in determining DRI is the environment you will be in. As thermal works on infrared radiation (heat/energy), the greater the difference between the ambient temperature and target is, the greater the crispness and clarity.
While thermal is a great tool to use in adverse conditions such as fog, smoke and mist, these environmental differences will decrease your cameras detection distance and image quality. This is also true of high humidity nights, which will decrease the image quality seen through the camera but this can often times be somewhat overcome by adjusting the cameras contrast and gain.
As you can see, there are a number of factors that will come into play when answering the simple question of “how far will this camera see”.
Sales Engineer:Grace Gao
Email:grace@bri-elec.com
WhatsApp:0086-199 2997 5286
