Heat source parameter estimation from scanned 3D thermal models

Thermal imaging is a non-invasive, non-contact functional imaging method used in temperature measurements. It provides an insight to metabolic and other processes within human body. In this paper a general simulation model that can be used to estimate the depth and size of the heat source embedded underneath the surface of an object is presented. Simulations are performed on two sets of input data, acquired with a 3D thermography system, consisting of a 3D scanner and a thermal camera. The procedure is based on describing the heat source radiation using a function (in this paper Gaussian function was used), and searching the parameter space. For every parameter configuration, the color of each vertex of the scanned 3D model is changed according to the defined function. The model is rendered and the image compared to the one taken with a thermal camera. Results of this process are presented in the form of a sorted list, with the most likely configuration at the first place. Method described in this paper can have a wide spread of possible applications in technology and engineering as well as medicine. For example, if it can be assumed that a tumour can be approximated by a point source, this procedure can then also be applicable in analysis of breast or other types of tumours.