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Infrared camera systems measure the radiance of temperature. The cameras, lenses, illumination and software that make up the components of these systems have been used for a wide array of applications. From night vision systems for the military to heat detection systems used to alert authorities to potentially sick passengers in airports, infrared systems have many diverse uses.
The applications for these infrared imagers are as diverse as the components themselves.
Cedip Infrared Systems (Fairfield N.J.) announces ORION—an infrared multispectral imaging system capable of producing IR sub-band images at video rate within the SW-MWIR or LWIR regions. The ORION uses the latest state-of-the-art focal plane array (FPA) detector technology along with large dynamic range, real-time electronics to deliver leading-edge results from applications including IR signature analysis, gas detection, flame analysis and environmental studies. The FPA detector is capable of capturing up to 200 high-quality images per second in snap-shot mode. The camera integration time is software variable and can be different for each filter. Using a continuously rotating filter wheel, synchronised with the FPA detector, the ORION captures a single snapshot image for each filter position enabling true multispectral imaging. It also can be used as a standard IR camera by stopping or removing the filter wheel. Image data is processed in real time by the onboard ALTAIR software. www.cedip-infrared.com
The new Electrophysics (Fairfield, N.J.) PV320L2Z Broadband Infrared Camera features the broadest spectral response of any infrared camera, with 0.6 to 20 micron sensitivity. The camera achieves its broad spectral sensitivity due to a 320x240 uncooled pyroelectric focal plane array. Advanced features also include a USB 2.0 high-speed digital output, internal automatic image calibration (AIC) and a ZnSe non-fringing detector window (for viewing coherent laser sources). The PV320L2Z can be operated as a stand-alone video-based system with on-camera controls. Connect the camera to any USB 2.0 enabled PC platform view/store to analyze real-time images with Velocity Advanced, a powerful real-time image acquisition and analysis software application. The PV320L2Z is ideal for a wide range of spectral imaging applications. www.electrophysics.com
FLIR Systems (Boston, Mass.)announces the release of its RTools™ v2.3 software package for digital infrared camera systems. RTools is a highly sophisticated software package that enables engineers and scientists to easily acquire, radiometrically calibrate, process, and analyze data from various IR cameras. Recent updates to RTools include more powerful analysis features, advanced triggering and recording, compatibility with the FLIR SC8000 IR camera system, and support for dual high-speed data recording. The RTools software suite consists of five separate modules: RDac™—an easy-to-use, real-time data acquisition program; RCal™ —to radiometrically calibrate infrared cameras; RView™—a high-performance, data viewing & analysis module; REdit™— a file archival, editing and maintenance tool; RPro™—for data reduction and processing capabilities. These dedicated tools are especially well suited for facilitating the investigation of complex applications with IR camera technology. They provide a seamless real-time interface to FLIR ThermoVision® SC6000/SC4000/SC8000 systems, as well as many other digital IR cameras. RTools can be used with cameras having a variety of detector types, both cooled and uncooled. www.infraredresearchcameras.com
ICx Technologies (Arlington, Va.) announces the DefendIR thermal imager is now available with Continuous Optical Zoom (CZ) capability. Much like a traditional CCD camera the DefendIR CZ gives the user the ability to change fields of view while keeping the target in focus at all times. Featuring a 30mm-90mm continuous zoom lens, the DefendIR CZ is the first uncooled infrared camera on the market with this type of capability. Paired with ICx's proprietary VisionSense™ technology and continuous 360° panning, the DefendIR CZ ensures constant visual awareness that crosses both visible and infrared wavelengths. ICx Technologies proprietary sensors detect and identify chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats, which deliver superior awareness and actionable intelligence for wide-area surveillance, intrusion detection and facility security. www.icxt.com
Infrared Cameras Inc. (Beaumont, Texas) introduces the ICI 7320 infrared camera. The 7320 offers unmatched image sensitivity and clarity in a 320 x 240 radiometric imager. With overall dimensions roughly the size of a business card the 7320 fits in the tightest of areas and is ideal for medical and process control applications. The ICI 7320 operates on 1 watt of power via USB connection. IR-Flash Software provides real time radiometric data stream directly to hard drive or portable device and can be mounted in a number of available ICI enclosures for any environment. Select from our complete line of enclosures which meet NEMA 4 - NEMA 9 specifications like the Viper Sidewinder Process Control Monitoring System. These housings provide protection from any kind of harsh weather or environments. www.infraredcamerasinc.com
The RedShift (Burlington, Mass.) OpTIC 1080F infrared fusion core is the first OEM product to offer fused thermal and visible imagery in an affordable, lightweight and easy-to-integrate package. Based on RedShift's patented Thermal Light Valve™ (TLV) technology, the 1080F delivers thermal imaging at unheard of prices and combines it with the power of fusion to enable an entirely new generation of easy-to-use, affordable products for mass market applications. It is the perfect solution for OEMs seeking to introduce new products in the inspection, tools, first responder and security markets. The cores can be easily integrated into new products and can be tailored so various customer segments can gain the benefits of infrared fusion solutions without extended product development cycles. Typical specifications: 46° FOV; 150 mK NETD; 5.5V-12V DC power supply; 1.5W power consumption; 150g weight; 1" x 2" x 1" dimensions. www.redshiftsystems.com
XenICs' (Belgium) latest release of its high-end, power PC-based, high-speed imaging system Cheetah is an InGaAs focal-plane array camera that covers the standard SWIR wavelength area 0.9 to 1.7 μm—with all control and communications circuitry in one housing. Cheetah offers a high resolution of 640 x 512 pixels at a maximum full frame rate of 1,730 Hz. In a reduced region-of-interest mode, more than 100,000 fps is feasible. XenICs' new high-speed, power PC-based Cheetah for the SWIR (0.9 to 1.7 μm) features a 640 x 512 pixel InGaAs array. This InGaAs detector features a new XenICs ROIC (read-out integrated circuit) optimized for high speed with 16 outputs and a 40 MHz pixel rate. The Cheetah includes a graphical user interface that provides direct access to various camera settings, such as exposure time, region-of-interest and gain. The power PC allows a data interface based on the TCP/IP Gigabit Ethernet protocol and more advanced correction procedures. Also a CameraLink data interface is foreseen.www.xenics.com
author: By Stacey Meacham, Managing Editor - Advanced Imaging