I believe it is the whole solution which when using their native GUI is considered part of the solution. If you're doing it in a 3rd party VMS I think it gets into a grey area.
Frank, thanks for your first comment! We are aware of it including their big claims and optional blackbody.
We've tested 18 systems so far but we don't have plans to test them yet since literally you are the first person to ask. If interest rises, we will definitely consider testing it, though, structurally, it is hard to see any rationale why this thing will not have similar problems in reliably detecting elevated temperatures.
While technically against IEC standards, FLIR and others avoid using blackbodies to decrease cost and complexity. It's one less component that must be purchased, installed, and maintained. Additionally, blackbodies drift over time, which will decrease measurement accuracy, and must be recalibrated periodically to correct this.
Some FLIR cameras (see our A series test) actually do allow for use of a blackbody in screening mode, but we didn't find it to be much more accurate, if at all. However, there is no option in Screen-EST to use a blackbody as a reference.
FLIR cameras are engineered and calibrated with automatic ambient drift compensation that eliminate the need for a black body reference. Reasons for this include:
Camera calibration is part of the production process and is based on multiple high-end black bodies sources.
The cameras integrate internal temperature sensors that compensate for a possible calibration shift.
A shutter between the camera detector and the lens is used as a reference to perform non-uniformity corrections when the camera environment changes.
This proprietary mix of technologies ensures the thermal camera measurements remain stable and constant meeting
the standard set forth in IEC 80601-2-59:2017, which states thermal cameras “may use SELF-CORRECTIONS to maintain the drift within acceptable limits… to allow for substitution of the CALIBRATION SOURCE”.
Having reviewed the IEC standard, I believe FLIR is correct about a software process being allowed in lieu of a blackbody.
The original statement from IEC 80601-2-59:2017, 201.101.4 as below says "to allow for substitution of the CALIBRATION SOURCE for a FACE". The response from Flir doesn't quote the full sentence and it's misleading. Can you double check?
"A SCREENING THERMOGRAPH may use SELF-CORRECTIONS to maintain the fridt within acceptable limits. An automated service test mode may be utilized to perform these measurements to allow for the substitution of the CALIBRATION SOURCE for a FACE."
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Comments (10)
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Does the software have to be FDA 510K or does the camera meeting this requirement suffice?
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Frank Lee
Can you also review the Fotric 226B non-stop AI group temperature screening thermal camera? Thanks.
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Erandy Flores
Why this system doesn't requiere a black body?
ISO TR 13514 specify the use of a black body. So, what is the technical reason for no use it?
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