Three methods for detecting cracks embedded in the structural members by an infrared thermal video system have been proposed. The device used in the present study is TVS (Thermal Video System)-3300, by which the distribution of temperature on the surface of the specimen can be measured and processed to express its real time pictures. The methods proposed are (1) internal heating method where increase of temperature due to plastic deformation at the crack tip is detected, (2) external heating method by high frequency electric current, and (3) laser heating method. The above three methods have been compared each other. Finally the authors have discussed the applicability of the proposed method to the practical problems.