Accuracy of measurements of basic parameters of observation thermal cameras

Measurements of performance parameters of observation thermal cameras are usually conducted to check the applied design concept and the operation of implemented image-enhancing algorithms or to verify the manufacturer’s claim regarding the figures of merit. In both cases there are several important conditions to be met in order to obtain reliable measurement results. One must have a measurement stand providing measurement uncertainty figures several times lower than the magnitude of measured parameter. There can be no influence of environmental conditions and the personnel conducting the test must precisely know the applicable procedures and should possess considerable experience in the measurements of thermal imaging devices. The paper presents the measurement equipment used to test the infrared imaging devices as well as measurement data analysis regarding basic camera parameters. Accuracy assessment were conducted on the basis of measurement methods and procedures implemented in Accredited Testing Laboratory of Institute of Optoelectronics, Military University of Technology.