System dynamics analysis of dynamic far infrared images in medicine

The objectives of the report are to develop a simulation model for thermal convection near the skin surface, to make an application software for analyzing dynamic far infrared images, and to establish a new analysis system of dynamic thermography for clinical medicine. Firstly, dynamic thermal images were taken by a FIR camera (Thermal Vision LAIRD 3A, Nikon) and stored in a digital-videotape. Secondary, the images were sent to a Macintosh computer using DVCap software (Canon) and converted to a QT movie. Thirdly, the QT movie was processed with a simulation model in the NIH image system. In order to analyze the dynamic images a thermal convection model was developed using system dynamics software (STELLA, High Performance Systems Inc.). After thermal and mechanical stresses were applied to a human body, the dynamic changes of skin temperature were observed by the system. Blood flow rate distribution of cutaneous tissue and sympathetic control factors were detected using the system