FLIR shows two new thermal imaging surveillance systems
Thermal imaging used to be an expensive and esoteric technology; not anymore; innoative developer shows systems — one based on microbolometer infrared sensor technology, the other on foveal vision concept
Surveillance is big business, and Portland, Oregon-based FLIR Systems (NASDAQ: FLIR) is an innovative player in the field. The company has just unveiled two new products:
* The SR-19 thermal imager: The SR-19 features an uncooled sensor, a wide field of view, suitability with legacy network installations, and FLIR’s advanced image processing technology. The device is a passive thermal system which allows detection of intruders without the use of infrared illuminators. It relies instead on microbolometer infrared sensor technology designed to view long-wave infrared, allowing it to sense the thermal radiation of objects and people. Since the device does not actively illuminate the suspicious target, it allows for covert surveillance. The passive quality also allows for very modest power consumption relative to the typical CCTV. The SR-19 goes for $4,995.
* The PTZ-35x140 is a thermal and visible security and surveillance system which relies on a foveal vision concept based on human vision. The device uses two 320x240 thermal imagers, one with a narrow 5° lens, the other with a wide 20° lens. The system is also capable of an electronic zoom between the narrow and wide field of views. The PTZ-35x140 allow people to see in total darkness, and also through smoke and fog. The pan and tilt slews up to 120° per second continuously. The system can be used with a variety of intelligent software, offering alerts based on operator-defined rules.
Thermal imaging used to be an esoteric and expensive technology. Not anymore. “Our volume production capabilities have allowed us to commercialize thermal imaging technology, making it affordable for the security industry,” says Bill Klink, vice president of Security & Surveillance Business Development at FLIR. “We are pleased to offer this technology in a product designed to improve the effectiveness of security professionals.”
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Thermal imaging
Thermal imaging cameras cameras detect radiation in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum (900