1. A method for determining the number of objects in an IR image obtained by an IR imaging system, the method comprising: collecting a total of N intensity values for each pixel in an IR image said intensity values having been collected using an IR imaging system comprising an IR detection device and an IR Illuminator; retrieving intensity values estimated for a plurality of known materials from a database; determining a classification for each pixel in said IR image using one of: a best fitting method of a reflectance, and a correlation method; and determining a total number of objects in said IR image based upon said pixel classifications.