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Teledyne FLIR Releases Tau® 2+ Longwave Infrared Thermal Camera Module with Enhanced Performance and Increased Sensitivity

by Eirik Solberg on Oct 12 2021
Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), today announced the Tau 2+, the highest sensitivity longwave infrared (LWIR) Tau 2 camera from Teledyne FLIR. With the same reliable and widely deployed, real-world-tested Tau 2 mechanical, electrical, and optical interfaces, the Tau 2+ is a drop-in replacement, but with a 1.5 times sensitivity improvement and an entirely redesigned image processing engine to deliver dramatically enhanced sharpness and contrast. “The Tau 2+ is the go-to thermal camera module for the most challenging environments, especially when detection of the smallest, hardest to find targets over long distances is required,” said Dan Walker, VP Product Management OEM Cores, Teledyne FLIR. “Improved LWIR thermal performance and market-leading reliability still make it the lowest-risk, ideal thermal module for unmanned vehicles, security applications, and thermal sights.” Object Detection at Greater Distances With a noise equivalent differential temperature (NEDT) of less than 25 mK (milliKelvin) – half the typical industry standard – the Tau 2+ offers significantly improved detection, recognition, and identification (DRI) performance. And with Tau’s existing wide lens options and simple optical interface for integrator-designed optics, this improved DRI can now be exploited over multiple fields-of-view (FOV). Resolve Key Information The Tau 2+ has a best-in-class image processing algorithm providing clearer thermal details in challenging environments. Featuring a new level of minimum resolvable temperature differences (MRTD), improved scene contrast with blacker blacks and whiter whites, and a low image noise. Tau 2+ is fit to resolve key information with improved contrast and sharper images. Designed for Integrators The shared Tau 2 interface and access to a highly qualified US-based Technical Services team for integration support reduces development risk and shortens time to market. Truly designed for integrators, the Tau 2+ has the industry’s widest variety of lens options available and comprehensive product documentation with many years of reliable Tau production experience. Commercial off-the-shelf connectors include USB, CMOS, Camera Link, or Ethernet. The Teledyne FLIR Tau 2+ is available for purchase globally from OEMCameras.com*. *Export Restrictions Apply. To learn more, visit OEMCameras.com/tau2_plus WATCH – Introducing the Tau 2+

FLIR Systems Launches Radiometric Version of Boson Thermal Imaging Camera Module

by Eirik Solberg on Apr 06 2021
Boson Radiometric Cameras Bring Absolute Temperature Measurement Capabilities for Quantitative Assessment and Analysis Across Commercial and Industrial Uses The Boson® camera core represents the best in FLIR high-performance uncooled thermal imaging technology within a small, lightweight, and low-power package, and now FLIR partners and customers will have the option to purchase radiometric versions that can capture the temperature data of every pixel in the scene. The new Boson radiometric camera core comes in two versions, 640 x 512 or 320 x 256 resolutions with multiple lens configurations and the ability to capture temperature data for quantitative assessment. The camera core is meant for use in systems across a variety of applications including firefighting, surveillance, security, unmanned systems, industrial inspection, and fixed-asset monitoring. ..the Boson Radiometric cameras include a Spot Meter Accuracy software feature that provides an assessment of how accurate a given temperature measurement appears in the scene… Assessing Temperature Accuracy with FLIR “Spot Meter Accuracy” Featuring radiometric accuracy provides ±5 °C (±8 °F) or ±5% temperature measurement accuracy, the Boson Radiometric cameras include a Spot Meter Accuracy software feature that provides an assessment of how accurate a given temperature measurement appears in the scene. Available as telemetry data accessed through the Boson SDK or the Boson graphical user interface (GUI), this feature provides guidance across five confidence grades offering in-the-moment assessment to help improve temperature measurement confidence. In addition, the Spot Meter Accuracy software feature gives operators the ability to account for dynamic ambient temperatures, along with the ability to configure measurements prior to operation, including adjusting emissivity and thermal gain settings. These functions are crucial for outdoor environments and the swift movements of unmanned aerial drones and automated ground vehicles. The software also offers inspection and assessment features, including spot meters and windows that pinpoint temperature measurement in the scene that the camera is focused on, and atmospheric correction capabilities during post-processing analysis. 40 Years of Thermal Imaging Expertise The Boson family of thermal imaging cores are an important part of the 40 plus years of thermal imaging expertise that FLIR offers. As a result of this expertise, the Boson thermal imaging cores utilize a high sensitivity 12-micron pixel pitch detector that provides high-resolution thermal imaging in a small, low power, lightweight, and turnkey package. All Boson cores feature FLIR infrared video processing architecture, noise reduction filters, and local-area contrast. The imaging processing capabilities accommodate industry-standard communication interfaces, including visible CMOS and USB. FLIR Boson Radiometric cores are available to order globally today. For more information about Boson Radiometric cores, visit https://oemcameras.com/boson.

Skin Temperature Screening—Setting Up Self-Service or Monitored Stations

by Eirik Solberg on Aug 15 2020
An important element of any skin temperature screening program is the actual set up of the screening station. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as buying a camera and activating screening mode. Having the right tools, screening location, and workflow will help you get the most accurate temperature readings for every individual you screen. While every business and building can have unique features and needs, there are some basic tenants to follow for any screening station. First, look at this example for setting up an efficient skin temperature screening station. Helpful signage, direction arrows, and queue indicators all ensure the people who need to be screened can line up in an orderly, socially-distanced fashion. Note, too, the backdrop behind the individual being screened (1). Any kind of non-reflective, light colored divider or curtain will provide an appropriate background for the subject. FLIR offers a screening station backdrop and floor stickers as a kit or as individual accessories for purchase. You can find out more here. Screening Location Where you choose to set up a screening station can have a significant impact. Here are some tips to improve screening efficacy: Set up the station indoors where room temperatures can be maintained at 20°C to 24°C (68°F to 76°F) and relative humidity between 10% and 50%. Avoid areas where there is a lot of air movement (e.g. HVAC vent), direct sunlight, or a heat source. Avoid reflective backgrounds such as windows and metallic surfaces. Choose an area with enough space for appropriate distancing between: people in the screening queue, the individual being screened and the camera, and the camera and the screening operator. If screening must take place outdoors, use a tent or shielding structure to minimize the environmental impact on the individuals being screened. Screening Workflow Guidance from governing and regulatory agencies on screening workflows include the following recommendations: Screen people one at a time. Allow people to stabilize their temperature if it was raised by exercise or strenuous physical activity. Instruct people wearing glasses and/or a face mask to remove them before screening. Position the individual at a fixed distance from the camera, facing it directly with their entire face in the image area. Offer secondary screening with a medical device designed to measure body temperature (i.e. a thermometer) for anyone who displays an elevated skin temperature.

FLIR Systems Announces Hadron, Industry’s First Thermal and Visible Sensor Module for Drone, Robotic, and Imaging Manufacturers

by Eirik Solberg on Jul 16 2020
Lightweight, Compact, and Low Power, Hadron Offers Commercial and Defense OEMs Out-of-the-Box Integration for Faster Time to Market ARLINGTON, Va., July 16, 2020 – FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) today announced FLIR Hadron™, the industry’s first dual sensor module for drone, robotic, and imaging original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Designed to help reduce development costs and improve time-to-market, the lightweight, low power, and compact form factor includes a 12-megapixel visible camera paired with the FLIR Boson® 320×240 resolution thermal camera with up to a 60-hertz framerate. “With the introduction of Hadron, FLIR Systems is leading the way in offering low-cost, dual sensor integration across a variety of industries from commercial drones to industrial imaging systems,” said Paul Clayton, General Manager, Components Business at FLIR. “Although our unmanned aerial system (UAS) customers are first to market with Hadron, this product empowers all of our OEM customers to increase performance with out-of-the-box functionality and simplified integration.” Hadron Development with Vantage Robotics and Teal Drones As part of the Hadron development process, FLIR worked closely with drone manufacturers Vantage Robotics and Teal Drones, to perfect the module for use on lightweight drone airframes. Vantage Robotics integrated Hadron into its micro-gimbal platform featuring its proprietary stabilization technology, offering a dual-sensor, OEM solution for existing UAS airframes and potentially other robotic platforms. “Hadron is far and away the lightest and smallest combined visible-thermal sensor that has ever been commercially available,” said Tobin Fisher, CEO at Vantage Robotics. “For an aircraft where you’re trying to push the limit on flight performance, every gram matters. The ability to get these sensor capabilities in a package this small makes an enormous difference.” Teal has also integrated Hadron within its 2-pound (1 kilogram) Golden Eagle UAS platform, taking advantage of the module’s compact size to create a lightweight yet dynamic payload that helps preserve battery life and maximize flight time on a small airframe. “Hadron enables us to speed development and time-to- market for small airframes with thermal and visual sensors,” said Teal Drones CEO and founder, George Matus. “It’s high quality, low weight, and compact size allows for rapid integration to quickly develop prototypes.” The FLIR Hadron is available for purchase today. To learn more, please visit https://oemcameras.com/hadron.htm. -###-

FLIR Hadron Enables Lightweight and Affordable sUAS

by Eirik Solberg on Jul 09 2020
Two innovative companies have integrated the new FLIR Hadron into sUAS platforms being launched this summer. The Hadron is a compact, low power form factor that includes both a visual and thermal camera and is designed to enable lightweight and dynamic aircraft. Teal Drones and Vantage Robotics took advantage of the Hadron’s state-of-the-art capabilities to create sUAS platforms at the leading edge of the industry. https://youtu.be/JyJHNXM9chE The Golden Eagle from Teal Drones Teal was started about five years ago by CEO George Matus, who had a vision of enabling unmanned systems to be more than just single use-case devices. Early in 2019, Teal was awarded a prototype OTA contract from the United States Army for its short-range reconnaissance program of record. Through that OTA, Teal has developed its next-generation dual-use sUAS for applications between enterprise and defense markets. Originally designed as an ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) solution, the Golden Eagle has been made to the army’s exacting performance specifications. “Most importantly,” says Matus, “its focus is around the FLIR Hadron as its core payload, providing really high-quality EO and IR imaging in a really small form-factor.” Vesper from Vantage Robotics Vantage Robotics has been developing micro-gimbals over the last seven years and working in collaboration with engineers at FLIR to develop the stabilization technology for the Hadron. Vantage was the first drone company to get a broad waiver for commercial operations over people, allowing them to work with customers like CNN to collect footage of populated areas. When they became aware of the need of the US government to have a trusted UAS, they designed the Vesper platform for ISR and situational awareness applications. In addition to the US government and worldwide governments, they see applications for first responders, wildlife management, and commercial inspections. Losing the Weight A priority for both companies was making their platform as light as possible, allowing the drone to fly farther and for longer. “Every 7.5 grams we can shave off lets us fly for an additional minute,” explains Tobin Fisher, CEO at Vantage. “So we’re tracking every tenth of a gram, and are always excited to see packages that let us reduce that.” The Vesper weighs only 650 grams, but has more flight and sensor capabilities than most similar products on the market. It can fly over 45 kilometers (about an hour of flight time) and do so nearly silently. “That’s something that really hasn’t been seen before,” says Fisher. Likewise, the Golden Eagle only weights about 2 pounds, but is just as capable as much larger platforms, making it more affordable and scalable for customers. The tiny, lightweight drone can be easily carried by warfighters without adding much weight to their load, can fit into tight places, and is generally more covert. Teal also has a custom propulsion system designed to be much quieter than other aircraft, a huge advantage to ISR related use-cases. “It’s essentially just a better version of Teal, and where we always wanted to take drones,” Matus says. Integrating the Hadron was a critical component to keeping the weight off. “The Hadron is far away the lightest and smallest combined EO/IR sensor that has ever been commercially available,” says Fisher. “For an aircraft where you’re trying to push the limit on flight performance, every gram matters. The ability to get these sensor capabilities in a package this small makes an enormous difference.” Ease of Integration Teal and Vantage found the Hadron easy to integrate into their designs. “It was a really great experience working with FLIR for the integration,” says Matus. We were able to partner early on and work hand-in-hand with the Hadron project team through the integration.” This was a contrast from the design of Teal’s first flagship consumer product, the Teal One, which had a custom camera that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to implement. “Being able to use the Hadron, we didn’t have that big resource drain on the company,” says Matus. “We were able to lean on FLIR and their expertise for doing what they do best.” Vantage also saved internal resources by integrating the Hadron, according to Fisher. “The Hadron reduced engineering costs and time,” he says. “Having it prepackaged in a module like this makes it a lot easier to work with and integrate into our gimbal payload.” Both were impressed with the quality of the product and ease of use. “The software package for ingesting the thermal and the EO was extremely easy to use, the product was robustly designed and extremely easy to integrate,” says Fisher. “Everything worked as expected – that made integration very fast and painless.” Matus has a similar report. “The Hadron product itself we were super impressed with. Really high quality, really low weight and size… It allowed rapid integration, and ultimately deployment of the prototypes for the army.” The American Drone Industry is Making a Comeback An emerging theme in the sUAS world is that the American drone industry is on the rise. “We’ve been hammered over the past several years,” says Matus, “but we’re making a comeback.” One factor that Teal sees boosting the American drone industry is the US Army’s support of US-based drone companies and requirement of DOD compliant drones. “We’re fortunate that Teal can be on the forefront of that.” Vantage is looking forward to seeing the American drone industry become more competitive on a global scale. To achieve this, Fisher advocates more collaboration within the industry. “One of the things that I firmly believe,” he says, “is that for the American drone industry to be competitive, we have figure out how to reduce duplication of effort and figure out how to work together in a more effective, collaborative way. “To try to walk the talk on that, we’ve decided to make systems from Vesper commercially available to other system integrators within the drone industry in order to bring their products to market faster. That includes the stabilized version of the Hadron.” This stabilization technology is key to enabling smaller, lighter gimbals. “There’s a phenomenal wealth of talent, of ideas, of innovation,” Fisher continues. “There’s amazing work going on by so many groups in the American drone industry. It’s so exciting to see the breadth of innovation that’s happening at every level, from software, to hardware, to sensors, to airframes.” We hope to continue seeing innovative sUAS manufacturers like Vantage and Teal using FLIR solutions like the Hadron to enable better, more capable drones for use in the military, commercial industry, and beyond. Learn more at https://oemcameras.com/hadron.htm
Elevated Temperature Screening

Frequently Asked Questions: Thermal Imaging for Elevated Skin Temperature Screening

by Eirik Solberg on May 13 2020
FLIR thermal imaging cameras can be a useful, efficient tool for screening people for signs of elevated skin temperature (EST).
FLIR A400/A700 Thermal Imaging Camera

FLIR Launches Smart Thermal Sensor Solution for Industrial Monitoring and Elevated Skin Temperature Screening

by Eirik Solberg on Apr 01 2020
These highly configurable smart camera systems provide accurate, non-contact temperature monitoring across a wide range of disciplines.
Elevated Temperature Screening

Thermal Imaging for Detecting Elevated Body Temperature

by Eirik Solberg on Mar 30 2020
Can thermal cameras be used to detect a virus or an infection? The quick answer to this question is no, but thermal imaging cameras can be used to detect Elevated Body Temperature. FLIR thermal cameras have a long history of being used in public spaces—such as airports, train terminals, businesses, factories, and concerts—as an effective tool to measure skin surface temperature and identify individuals with Elevated Body Temperature (EBT). In light of the global outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), which is now officially a pandemic, society is deeply concerned about the spread of infection and seeking tools to help slow and ultimately stop the spread of the virus. Although no thermal cameras can detect or diagnose the coronavirus, FLIR cameras can be used as an adjunct to other body temperature screening tools for detecting elevated skin temperature in high-traffic public places through quick individual screening. If the temperature of the skin in key areas (especially the corner of the eye and forehead) is above average temperature, then the individual may be selected for additional screening. Identifying individuals with EBT, who should then be further screened with virus-specific diagnostic tests, can help reduce or dramatically slow the spread of viruses and infections. The thermal camera must be able to image the inner corner (tearduct) of the eye when screening for EBT. Have subjects remove glasses or any other eye obstructions before screening. Using thermal cameras, officials can be more discrete, efficient, and effective in identifying individuals that need further screening with virus-specific tests. A variety of institutions, including transportation agencies, businesses, factories, and first responders are using thermal screening as an EBT detection method and as part of employee health and screening (EH&S). Airports in particular are actively employing FLIR thermal cameras as part of their screening measures for passengers and flight crews. The screening procedures implemented at airports and in other public places are just the first step when it comes to detecting a possible infection: it’s a quick way to screen for anyone who might be sick, and must always be followed up with further screening before authorities decide to quarantine a person. When screening for EBT with a FLIR thermal camera, it’s important to screen one person at a time, standing no more than 1-2 meters away from the camera. What FLIR cameras are used for thermal screening? While governments outside the United States may choose from many different cameras, FLIR has a 510(k) filing (K033967) with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for select camera models for use as an adjunct to other body temperature screening tools to detect differences in skin surface temperatures. OEMCameras.com recommends a variety of FLIR Cameras. For more information about ordering FLIR cameras for temperature screening purposes in the United States, please call: 1-888-919-2263. Outside the United States: +1-845-343-4077. Source: FLIR.com
FLIR Expands Scion Thermal Monocular Series with Longer Range Detection

FLIR Expands Scion Thermal Monocular Series with Longer Range Detection

by Eirik Solberg on Jan 22 2020
FLIR is expanding the popular FLIR Scion Outdoor Thermal Monocular (OTM) and Professional Thermal Monocular (PTM) series with new 25mm lens or 36mm lens variants for longer range detection. FLIR SCION OTM <9Hz36mm Lens FLIR SCION OTM 30Hz36mm Lens FLIR SCION PTM 60Hz36mm Lens FLIR SCION OTM Series Coupled with FLIR’s high-performance Boson® thermal core, the new 770m lens extends viewing capabilities up to 700 meters and the 1120m lens offers observation up to 1,000 meters. The increased range helps users quickly detect objects at extreme lengths with smooth, unwavering vision in challenging environments and the new manual focus feature customizes users viewing preference. Packed with more features than any other FLIR commercial thermal handheld, Scion PTM and OTM are available with a 9 hertz or a 60 hertz refresh rate and include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® connectivity; 2 gigabytes of internal storage and a microSD™ card slot to record both geotagged video or still images; a rugged IP67-rated housing; picture-in-picture zoom; and global positioning system (GPS) functionality. Additionally, a new Lock Span Mode creates highly detailed images by eliminating unwanted temperature detection with a locked temperature range. Source: FLIR
FLIR Introduces M300 Series Marine Cameras

FLIR Introduces M300 Series Marine Cameras

by Eirik Solberg on Sep 23 2019
M300 Series Combines Thermal and High-Definition Visible Imaging to Offer Professional Mariners, First Responders, and Recreational Boaters Increased Situational Awareness and Safer Navigation ARLINGTON, Va., September 23, 2019 – FLIR Systems (NASDAQ: FLIR) today announced the FLIR M300 Series, a new generation of maritime thermal cameras delivering advanced awareness-enhancing technologies, safer navigation, and seamless integration with onboard boat systems. FLIR M300 Series cameras are designed for the most demanding professional mariners and first responders who operate in the harshest marine environments. The successor to FLIR’s industry-leading M-Series of maritime cameras, the next generation M300 Series consists of five models featuring rugged and robust new pan and tilt housings – four models with the FLIR BosonTM resolution thermal camera cores, plus a visible-only, high-definition (HD) model. The series is highlighted by two dual sensor models, the M364C and M364C LR, which offer mariners greater awareness via FLIR’s patented Color Thermal VisionTM (CTV) technology. This proprietary multispectral imaging technology for the FLIR M300 Series and FLIR’s Raymarine Axiom® line of navigation displays blends thermal and high-definition visible color video for enhanced identification of buoys, vessels, and other targets at night. The M300 Series integrates with the latest-generation marine navigation displays, including FLIR’s award-winning Raymarine Axiom family of multifunction displays. “Our FLIR M300 Series cameras employ advanced sensing and imaging technologies so first responders, commercial mariners, and recreational boaters can navigate safer in limited visibility,” said Travis Merrill, President of the Commercial Business Unit at FLIR. “These professional-grade marine cameras offer industry-leading performance and deep integration with Raymarine Axiom navigation displays to bring mariners a new level of situational awareness.” The FLIR M300 Series range from $6,495 to $29,495 USD and are available now through FLIR’s network of maritime dealers and retailers. -###- FLIR M300 Series thermal imaging cameras for professional mariners and first responders provide safer navigation and increased situational awareness About FLIR Systems Founded in 1978, FLIR Systems is a world-leading industrial technology company focused on intelligent sensing solutions for defense, industrial and commercial applications. FLIR Systems’ vision is to be “The World’s Sixth Sense”, creating technologies to help professionals make more informed decisions that save lives and livelihoods. For more information, please visit flir.com and follow @flir. Source: FLIR