3D Virtual Thermal Imaging for Enhanced Scene Thermal Imaging Interpretation and Perception

This paper presents the progress of activities towards the development of 3D virtual thermal imaging software of (static and dynamic) scene objects and of interactions of the user with the virtual objects and in the framework of project PICTUM (Fully customizable thermal imaging simulation software) [1]. More specifically, it describes the development of thermal imaging simulation software for the training of personnel towards understanding and correctly perceive the content in the field of view of a thermal camera, for the surveillance and guarding of outdoor and indoor spaces, under different environmental and lighting conditions, and through immersion in the virtual environment of the field of view of the thermal camera. Activities include 3D imaging of virtual objects based on the thermal coefficients and properties of static and dynamic objects of interest, 3D volumetric performance of thermal models, multimodal surface/volume modelling, simulation and visualization data and motion performance in the virtual environment. The aim is to provide a functional prototype which will allow the dynamic interaction of the trainee with the virtual objects and of the trainer with the content of the training scenarios in real time.