What was a limitation of early thermal imaging systems in the 1960s?

The limitation of early thermal imaging systems in the 1960s was primarily low resolution and slow image processing. During this period, technology was still in its infancy, and the sensors used in thermal imaging systems did not have the capacity to produce high-resolution images. This resulted in blurry or pixelated visuals that made it difficult for users to identify small or subtle temperature differences effectively. Additionally, the image processing speed was not advanced, which meant that there were delays in image display, further compounding the challenges faced by users in real-time applications such as surveillance or search and rescue operations.

This combination of low resolution and slow processing capabilities severely restricted the effectiveness and practicality of thermal imaging in a range of critical fields. Advances in technology since then have significantly improved both resolution and processing times, transforming thermal imaging into a much more powerful tool today.