Sensation Dundee, the live science centre, uses up-to-the-minute technology to make science appealing and accessible to everyone. Typically visitors are invited to try their hands at keyhole surgery, get sneezed out of a giant nose or grow old with the aid of computer technology.
It is the UK's only science centre devoted to the five senses.The 'wow factor' is crucial to every experience and the main reason why the centre chose a FLIR Systems ThermoVision A40V infrared camera in its temperature section.
Good colour representation was a deciding factor, especially as our main audience is children explained Marketing Manager, Alan Martin.Sensation is currently using the camera to show temperatures of different parts of the body and the effects of their contact with hot and cold.
Exceptionally high quality, non-radiometric thermal images are transferred via a coaxial connection to a high-resolution projector and onto a 3m x 4m screen. Although this is the prime function of the ThermoVision, such is the popularity of the exhibit that the centre is seeking to expand its role.
Two models complete the FLIR Systems' ThermoVision A40 series - A40M and A40V. Both operate within the temperature range of -40°C to 500°C. They differ in that whilst the 'V' model 'sees' changes as small as 0.12°C, the 'M' version allows the user to measure those differences.
Both cameras produce crisp high-quality, infrared images of 320 x 240 pixels at video rates of 50Hz. This enables fast-moving and low temperature targets to be viewed with exceptional image clarity, unmatched by less sensitive cameras. As Sensation only needed to show temperature variation and not measure it, the ThermoVision A40V was the ideal choice.
The infrared camera is continuously in operation, attracting visitors passing other exhibits and it is certainly proving effective. Visitors often ask what else this technology is used for, Alan Martin concludes. So naturally we are working on new ideas to meet this interest.
As a registered charity, the Dundee interactive science centre has a strong education focus. Its key aims are to show visitors of all ages that science is fun and to inspire the pioneering scientists of the future. In common with other centres of its kind, it has found thermal imaging to be a great ambassador for science. Very few technologies have its scope of application and its visual appeal.