"Precision Temperature Measurement: Using Hot Patterns to Calibrate Thermal Cameras"
To calibrate a thermal camera for machine vision tasks, a geometric calibration is needed to correct for lens distortion. Generating a geometrically-regular thermal pattern is key to this process, which can be achieved using methods such as a grid of nichrome wires, discs of cold aluminium, or a simple checkerboard. Mathematical techniques are then used for calibration based on these patterns.