Desenvolvimento de um protótipo para captura de imagens termográficas na área da saúde

Abstract

This study details the development of a mechatronic prototype aimed at standardizing the capture of thermographic images in the healthcare area. The primary challenge addressed is the difficulty of correctly operating thermal cameras to collect thermographic data, which can compromise the repeatability and reliability of examinations due to variables such as distance, angle, and environmental conditions. To tackle this issue, the project focused on designing, constructing, and integrating an automated support system for thermal cameras. The equipment features a mechanical structure with a linear actuator for vertical adjustment, controlled by an ESP32 microcontroller. The prototype also includes a sensing system that monitors environmental variables (temperature, humidity, and lighting) and positioning parameters (target distance, height, and stability). These factors are crucial for maintaining the quality of the images and thermal data. Additionally, a supervisory system was developed using the Elipse E3 platform, incorporating Modbus TCP/IP for communication. This allows for remote control and real-time monitoring of the variables. The outcome is a functional platform that automates and standardizes the image acquisition process, laying a solid foundation for future clinical and experimental research that requires high precision and repeatability. The core problem addressed is the difficulty of using thermal cameras correctly for collecting thermographic data, which can compromise the repeatability and reliability of exams due to variables such as distance, angle, and environmental conditions. To address this issue, the project focused on the design, construction, and integration of an automated support system for thermal cameras. The equipment consists of a mechanical structure with a linear actuator for vertical adjustment controlled by an ESP32 microcontroller. The prototype incorporates a sensing system to monitor environmental variables (temperature, humidity, and luminosity) and positioning parameters (target distance, height, and stability), which are essential for maintaining the quality of image and thermal data.