Why does a thermal imaging camera show a body in a reflection on a mirror?

190 viewsOtherTechnology

I’m a firefighter and we just bought new TICs (Thermal Imaging Cameras). We did a training to familiarize ourselves with the new equipment and simulated searching for people in the station gym. While using it, I noticed that the display would show a silhouette of my body in the mirror. The way these cameras work (as I understand it) is not to look for an image to repeat on a screen, but to look for heat. I understand that my body gives off heat, and that’s how it distinguishes people for the image. However, the “me” in the mirror isn’t me. It’s only a reflection. So, shouldn’t the camera just show no heat coming off the wall/mirror?

In: Technology

4 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Not just mirrors, if you point your thermal camera at a window you’re standing in front of, you’ll see your thermal reflection even if you don’t see your actual reflection.
Thermal cameras don’t see thru the window either; the window is a flat surface of usually cooler temperature.
It can discern foot prints on carpet too, they’re pretty neat.
Have a Ulefone Armor 9, a phone with a built in Flir thermal camera.

You are viewing 1 out of 4 answers, click here to view all answers.