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Infrared or IR Corrected Lenses use Low dispersion glass (LD glass) which is a type of glass that greatly reduces Chromatic Aberration. Chromatic Aberration is a type of distortion in which there is a failure of a lens to focus all colors to the same convergence point or image plane as shown in the left image of (Fig. 1) Fig. 1 Different Types of LD Glass Listed Below: Special low dispersion glass (SLD glass) and extraordinary low dispersion glass (ELD glass) are glasses with yet lower dispersion (and yet higher price). Other glasses in this class are extra-low dispersion glass (ED glass), and ultra-low dispersion glass (UL glass). Standard lenses do not focus all frequencies, wavelengths or colors of light on to an image plane at the same location (Fig. 2). Standard lenses do focus most of the visible light on to the image plane but because CCD and CMOS image sensors are sensitive in the Infrared range your image will look softer or out of focus when Near Infrared and Infrared light is also prevalent in the captured scene (Fig. 3). The image on the color camera is not as blurry because the inherent design of color imaging cameras require an IR Cut Filter which is in place in these color images. This all holds true when using a Day/Night “Color/Monochrome” cameras. The IR Cut filter is removed when Day/Night cameras switches to Night or Monochrome mode. Fig. 2 Fig. 3 (Bright Sun / +100°F) This focus shift is mostly apparent in the Near Infrared and Infrared frequency range. When using a standard lens in a normal lighting condition and then switch to a dark condition with Infrared Illumination your image will become out of focus and refocusing the lens will be needed. Infrared or IR Corrected Lenses should be used on both color and monochrome cameras in all lighting conditions to achieve a crisp sharp image at all times.

Google has recently unveiled its latest project in development, Google Glass. Essentially a smart pair of glasses with a built in camera and projector (we’re not sure what oem camera they use, but we are sure it’s going to be amazing) to display visual notifications on a tiny prism screen that sits right above your line of sight. Allowing the user to see whats on display by glancing up. The glasses also include an embedded GPS, microphone, and uses bone induction to give you sound for a total interactive experience. Their mission is to make wearable computing mainstream. But even with all its potential, there are still a lot of questions to be answered for this new technology. Some worry about potential accidents that can occur with a distracting heads up display. While others debate the issue of privacy as the thought of everything you say or do while wearing them could potentially be taped, turned into text and searchable. But with every new advanced technology there will also be ways to abuse it, we just have to weigh in its capacity for good and the progress it could bring.

Hello everyone and happy new year! We are happy to announce the release of some new ultra compact board cameras! This is an update to a previous line of cameras that featured the same small footprint, and great technology. The update features the new 20B45 (NTSC) / 21B45 (PAL) ($79.95) 14x14mm board camera. This new camera features Day/Night functionality and is much more sensitive in low light situations compared to its predecessor the 20B44. This seriously small camera is also available with a mounted Pin-Hole lens (20B45M NTSC / 21B45M PAL) ($79.95) and an M-12 lens mount (20B45M-12 NTSC / 21B45M-12 PAL) ($89.95). Also featured (in the center of the image above) is the 20RD45 (NTSC) / 21RD45 (PAL). ($199.95). This 17×19.5mm rounded board camera that was once a dual board camera (20RD8) is now even smaller! As a single board OEM camera it can now fit into a much smaller build. Also available is the option for an even smaller 13mm round board and is more sensitive in low light situations as well. All of these new cameras are a low power, reliable solution for OEM’ers. Click on any of the model numbers above to learn more. Stay tuned for more updates in the future!

Mechanical Engineers at MIT have developed a semi-autonomous system that will take the wheel and keep drivers safe In vehicle safety alert systems are becoming a popular feature for drivers as automotive technology develops. From reverse sensors and camera, to self parking cars, drivers are able to rely on the autonomous features of their automobile to reduce chances of accidental bumps and fender benders – but what about while the car is in normal driving motion? Mechanical engineers are MIT have created a driver safety system which will correct the path of a vehicle that is losing control or on a collision course. With the use of on-board cameras and sensors the engineers were are able to detect and avoid sudden hazardous driving situations. Despite the driver’s actions, the vehicle steers itself around the obstacle, transitioning control back to the driver once the danger has passed.

A Wrist Worn Device that Allows You to Control Your Gadgets Ever wish you could answer a call, turn up the volume, or play your favorite video game using just hand gestures? Enter Microsoft Digits, a wrist-worn sensor that turns your hand gestures into virtual movements with the use of small cameras and IR sensors. Digits allows you to interact with various gadgets wherever you go, all from the one device. As of now, Digits prototype is a bit large and cumbersome, however developers are working to reduce the size of the unit making it more practical for every day use. How it works: An infrared (IR) camera sensor located on the device detects an IR beam emitted from the device. The camera sensor detects the distance to the user’s fingers to determine how the hand is bent. Additional rings of IR LED’s illuminate the hand to determine the position and direction of the hand. Software then uses the data to construct a real-time 3D model of the hand. Because the sensors are located on the device, the user has no range restrictions, allowing them to move about freely. What do you think? Would use for Digits?

Jump Complete! 10/14/12 On Sunday October 14, 2012 Flix Baumgartner completed his highly anticipated “Skydive From the Edge of Space” becoming the first man to break the speed of sound. For full detail on the jump visit www.redbullstratos.com Update 2: The Red Bull Stratos jump has once again been postponed. The team is hoping to launch Sunday October 14, 2012. You can still catch it live right here! Update: After delaying the original date of the record breaking free fall, Red Bull Stratos has rescheduled for today 10/9/12! You still have time to catch daredevil “Fearless Felix” this afternoon – weather permitting. Original Post: Skydiver Felix Baumgartner, aka Fearless Felix, is preparing to break the sound barrier and world’s record for highest free fall. On October 9, 2012 Felix Baumgartner is scheduled to ascend to an altitude of 120,000 feet (23 miles) before free-falling back to earth – breaking the speed of sound, and the world record. 43 year old “Fearless Felix” will float up to his destination courtesy of the world’s largest balloon, which happens to be taller than the Statue of Liberty. The polyethylene balloon is only .0008 inches thick and will be towing a pressurized capsule sponsored by Red Bull, in which Felix will be eagerly awaiting his jump. The capsule, named Stratos, is equipped with 15 high-tech cameras so the ground control can monitor Felix and the voyage. Additionally, three cameras will be fitted on Felix’s jumpsuit to collect footage from the free-fall at speeds up to 700mph. Camera technology has drastically changed from the simple camera system used in the first world record set in 1960 by Joe Kittinger, a retired Air Force colonel who will be in attendance to watch his record be surpassed. In the 1960 jump, hot water bottles surrounded the cameras to avoid the systems from freezing at such high altitudes where temperature dips well below-70°. The cameras used for the 2012 jump are very sophisticated. The systems consist of hi-def moving and still image cameras, 3 channels of live broadcasting, and high quality cinematography cameras. The on-board cameras are sealed in nitrogen pressurized housings to avoid any weather, pressure, or temperature damage. The footage acquired is very important for scientist to analyze the experience. The Red Bull Stratos is providing the first steps to developing life saving procedures for astronauts and pilots. “Proving that a human can break the speed of sound in the stratosphere and return to earth would be a step toward creating near-space bailout procedures that currently don’t exist.”