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African Parks Team Trialed FLIR Thermal-Equipped Drones to Monitor Elephants

by Eirik Solberg on Sep 20 2017
As night falls in Liwonde National Park, wild elephants enjoy roaming the African plains of Malawi searching for food. Surrounding villages use the land along the park boundary to grow corn and mangos, an elephant delicacy. As the crops ripen, the thousand-pound mammals are drawn to the fruitful meal and increase the risk of endangering themselves and the lives of the villagers. One of the world’s most intelligent mammals, the elephants use their ivory tusks to break through the electric fence surrounding the park boundary. By hooking their tusks into the fence, they use their strength to pull the fence until it breaks. This allows them to leave the park and enter the farmlands where they can do extensive damage and threaten villagers’ lives. Thermal cameras, which were donated by FLIR to World Wildlife Fund and to African Parks, the latter who manage Liwonde National Park, were tested over the course of several months to see if they could be used to help with preventing poaching. Combined with drones however, these cameras were effective in helping Liwonde Park staff respond to conflict situations when elephants broke through the fence, who were then able to be herded back into the park. Using drones equipped with FLIR Vue Pro thermal imaging cameras, Malawi park rangers were able to monitor the elephants at night to determine if they’re approaching the park boundary and therefore could help locate ‘problem elephants’. Not only is the technology useful for supervising the elephants’ behavior, but staff were able to fly the drones close to the animals as a tool to redirect their path. As UAVs emit a bee’s buzzing sound, which elephants are known to fear, park staff were able to use the UAV’s to direct them back into the park and to safety, reducing potential damage to villagers and their crops. Source: FLIR
flir duo pro r thermal imaging camera

Introducing the FLIR Duo Pro R Thermal Visible Commercial Drone Camera

by Eirik Solberg on Sep 04 2017
Today, FLIR unveiled its most advanced commercial drone camera and aerial mapping system, the dual sensor FLIR Duo Pro R. Featuring both a thermal sensor with radiometry and a visible camera, the FLIR Duo Pro R gives professional drone operators the range and image detail needed to capture actionable thermal and visible imagery in a single drone flight. Ideal for a wide range of high-performance commercial, industrial, and public safety drone applications, the FLIR Duo Pro R allows operators to switch between thermal and video cameras in flight. With the option of a 336×256 or 640×512 thermal resolution sensor and a high-definition 4K color video camera, the FLIR Duo Pro R uses FLIR’s patented multispectral dynamic imaging, MSX®, technology to emboss high-fidelity, visible-light details onto the thermal imagery to improve image quality. The camera also offers a thermal, visible picture-in-picture mode, and records raw video and stills to two dedicated microSD cards. The FLIR Duo Pro R starts at $5,199 USD and will be available for purchase from authorized FLIR dealers in Q4 2017. To pre-order or to learn more about FLIR Duo Pro R, visit OEMCameras.com. Source: Flir.com
11090

11090

by Eirik Solberg on Aug 07 2017
FLIR has introduced a new series of fixed thermal security cameras, the FLIR FB Series O. Designed for short to mid-range perimeter protection, the FLIR FB-Series O offers plug-and-play integration with FLIR United VMS and certified by other major third-party video management solutions, making it a versatile solution for new or existing security systems. Joining an award-winning line of perimeter protection thermal cameras, the FLIR FB-Series O thermal security camera features a 320×240 resolution thermal imaging sensor that detects potential intruders in total darkness, and through sun glare, smoke, dust, and light fog. Three separate lens options – 93, 49 and 24-degree field of views – provide narrow-to-wide coverage of fence lines, building perimeters, and open areas. The FLIR FB-Series O integrates with FLIR analytic encoders such as FLIR ioi TRK-101 that help distinguish humans and vehicles, and FLIR ioi TRK-101 P PTZ Tracker that hand-off targets to thermal or visible pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ)-enabled cameras on the same network. Advanced automatic gain control (AGC) and FLIR’s Digital Detail Enhancement (DDE) provide optimal image quality in all scenes and by integrating with FLIR United VMS thermal configuration, alarm notifications are easily managed. The FLIR FB-Series O comes with FLIR’s industry-leading 10-year warranty on the thermal sensor and a three-year warranty on the camera body. Global availability for orders begins in August 2017 through established FLIR dealers and integrators. For more information on the FLIR FB-Series O and FLIR’s complete line of security solutions, visit OEMCameras.com Source: Flir.com
FLIR Maritime Introduces First Cooled Thermal Camera to Award-Winning M-Series Line: FLIR M500

FLIR Maritime Introduces First Cooled Thermal Camera to Award-Winning M-Series Line: FLIR M500

by Eirik Solberg on Jul 21 2017
Enabling superyachts, first responders and commercial vessels to visualize long-range targets with exceptional clarity, the new FLIR M500 Multi-Sensor Maritime Camera is our most advanced addition to the award-winning M-Series platform to date. The multi-sensor thermal maritime camera provides professional captains with enhanced situational awareness to detect targets more than 15 kilometers, navigate tight waterways and avoid collisions, day or night. The high-performing FLIR M500 offers FLIR cooled thermal technology, which differentiates itself from uncooled capabilities by offering the ability to detect minute temperature variations at a long-range, at higher-speeds and with enhanced sensitivity. M500 thermal body 1200×692 FLIR’s cooled thermal technology coupled with 14X optical zoom lens, gyro-stabilization for steady imagery on rough sea waters. The high-resolution visible camera provides superior detection of vessels, key landmarks and navigation aids while underway, fulfilling users needs to positively identify targets and ultimately avoid hazardous encounters while underway. The M500 will be available worldwide through established FLIR dealers beginning in September 2017. To learn more about the FLIR M500 and our other Maritime products, please visit OEMCameras.com Source: FLIR.com
FLIR BOSON Now Available at OEMCameras.com

FLIR BOSON Now Available at OEMCameras.com

by Eirik Solberg on May 09 2017
The search is over… Boson longwave infrared (LWIR) thermal camera cores set a new standard for size, weight, power, and performance. Imagine your next big idea, and bring it to life with Boson. FLIR’s XIR™ expandable infrared video processing architecture gives Boson advanced image processing, video analytics, peripheral sensor drivers, and several industry-standard communication interfaces that make it easy to integrate while keeping power consumption low. Its remarkable imaging performance begins with Boson’s 12µm pitch vanadium oxide (VOx) uncooled detector. Boson 320 is currently available with lots of different lens options, so you’re sure to find a configuration that’s just right for your next project. Imagine what you can do with Boson Whether you’re designing cameras for drones, security, firefighting, thermal sights, or handheld imagers, Boson is small, light, and powerful enough to enable your most innovative designs. Boson’s competitive price and flexible integration options dramatically shorten design cycles, opening up entirely new possibilities for any thermal sensor-based product you can imagine. Learn More NEW! – Low Profile BOSON VPC Interface Module The new Low Profile Boson VPC Interface Module from RHP International, provides power input to the Boson while allowing you to obtain video through the same connection. There are alternate connections (side connection and straight off the back) to allow for a variety of installation options. USB and Video cables are included. View Now
FLIR PT Series HD

FLIR Launches New Thermal and Visible Security Cameras

by Eirik Solberg on Apr 03 2017
Today FLIR announced four new security products, solidifying their position in professional security and perimeter protection by offering a more fulsome, one-stop-shop turnkey solution. The wave of new products includes the FLIR high-performance FLIR PT-Series HD (High-Definition) thermal and visible camera system. The FLIR PT-Series HD is a dual-sensor camera system that provides superior, long-range perimeter intrusion detection regardless of lighting and environmental conditions. The high-speed, pan-tilt camera provides quick and accurate threat verification. The FLIR PT-Series HD offers either a cooled or uncooled 640×480 resolution thermal camera with a 1080p HD visible camera. Multiple high-performance thermal lenses are available, including optical zoom lenses up to 14X. The HD visible camera also features a 30X optical zoom lens with autofocus and low light capabilities. The FLIR PT-Series HD integrates with many of the major VMS providers. For Product information, visit: http://www.oemcameras.com/pan-tilts/pt-series.htm

FLIR Duo and Duo R Dual Sensor Drone Cameras

by Eirik Solberg on Feb 01 2017
Last Month at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, FLIR announced their latest camera for personal and commercial drone use, the FLIR Duo. As the most affordable dual thermal and visible sensor drone camera equipped with FLIR’s smallest and lightest Lepton thermal camera core, operators are no longer constrained by daylight. The FLIR Duo provides a sixth sense, the power to see objects over 100 yards away in complete darkness, smoke and light fog. Equipped with a 160×120 thermal camera and High-Definition (HD) 1080 color camera, FLIR Duo allows operators to swap between the two cameras mid-flight or view both in a picture-in-picture mode via the FLIR UAS app, so no flight time is lost swapping out cameras. FLIR’s proprietary MSX image processing algorithm embosses the thermal image with key details from the visible camera, resulting in the sharpest dual-spectrum image in the market. FLIR also announced a second FLIR Duo camera, the FLIR Duo R priced at $1,299.99. A more professional version of the FLIR Duo, the FLIR Duo R adds accurate temperature measurement capabilities for commercial applications including agricultural, construction, civil engineering, building inspection, and public safety use cases. Visit www.oemcameras.com to learn how you can take thermal to new heights.

First Responders: FLIR AERIAL Drone Packages available from OEMCameras.com

by Eirik Solberg on May 02 2016
The new FLIR Aerial First Responder Kit will bundle the DJI Inspire 1 drone with the DJI Zenmuse XT stabilized thermal camera powered by FLIR and offered in two configurations, Basic and Advanced. The Basic bundle includes the 336×256 resolution Zenmuse XT with a 45-degree lens, while the Advanced package sports a higher, 640×480 resolution Zenmuse XT and a 45-degree lens. The Advanced package also includes a second controller so that one controller can be dedicated to aircraft control and the other used for camera control and configuration. All controllers receive live digital video downlink on the Apple iPad Mini included with each controller. The FLIR-equipped DJI drone packages offer first responders added support with the ability to see through smoke, assess the scene from an aerial perspective, and keep track of their personnel in large fire scenes. For search and rescue operators, they offer valuable observation capabilities in dangerous environments when time is critical. By combining the flight stability, gimbal technology, mobile app integration, and image transmission of the popular and proven DJI Inspire 1 with the industry-leading thermal imaging technology of FLIR in the Zenmuse XT, these packages are the ultimate solutions for reliable, rapidly-deployable aerial thermal imaging. The FLIR Aerial First Responder Kits start at $10,450 USD. To learn more about package options, visit www.OEMCameras.com
FLIR VUE PRO R - Radiometric drone camera for accurate airborne temperature measurements

FLIR VUE PRO R - Radiometric drone camera for accurate airborne temperature measurements

by Eirik Solberg on May 02 2016
The new Vue Pro R from FLIR gives both drone operators and certified thermographers the power to gather accurate, non-contact temperature measurements from an aerial perspective. Every still image the Vue Pro R saves contains accurate, calibrated temperature data embedded in every pixel, adding even more value to your sUAS operations and services than ever. Keeping the same industry-leading thermal imaging quality, interfaces, and capability as the best-selling Vue Pro, the Vue Pro R adds fully radiometric data-gathering to sUAS applications as diverse as building and roof inspections, power grid inspections, infrastructure analysis, precision agriculture, and public safety. Radiometry The Vue Pro R is more than a thermal imager – it captures accurate, non-contact temperature measurements from an aerial perspective and saves images with calibrated temperature data embedded in every pixel. Get FLIR Tools On-Board Recording Vue Pro R captures regular JPEGs and fully radiometric R-JPEGs that can be fully analyzed in FLIR Tools thermography analysis and reporting software. It also records 8-bit digital video in MJPEG or H.264 formats, and 14-bit TIFFs right on the camera so you won’t lose any of your data to transmission loss. Imagery is saved to the micro-SD card and can be retrieved either directly from the card or by plugging the camera into a USB cable, where your computer will see it as a storage device. MAVLink Integration & Camera Control Like Vue Pro, Vue Pro R’s Accessory Port connection gives you access to MAVLink commands camera controls over PWM commands, so you can select color palettes, start and stop recording, or trigger the camera’s e-zoom in-flight from your radio controller. If MAVLink is enabled, two camera controls are available; without MAVLink you can control up to four camera controls. Easy to Configure Vue Pro R comes with a built-in, low-power Bluetooth module, so you can easily configure your camera with our custom iOS or Android apps before you take off. Change color palettes, set your image optimization features, configure your PWM inputs, and start recording all without lugging a computer to the field. With the same powerful thermal imaging core used in the most popular cameras in the world, FLIR Vue Pro R brings affordable, calibrated radiometry to drone operators, making it perfect for myriad applications like: Roof inspections Power line inspections Substation inspections Cell tower inspections Search and rescue Precision agriculture Security Surveying
Introducing the FLIR Boson

Introducing the FLIR Boson

by Eirik Solberg on Apr 18 2016
FLIR today announced Boson™, its smallest, lightest, and least power-consuming, high-performance uncooled thermal camera for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that make products for firefighting, automotive, maritime, hunting, UAS, and the military. The Boson design allows for expanded computing capability on the camera and a dramatic reduction in price. Smaller than the Tau® 2 core, FLIR’s other high-performance uncooled core, and double the size of the low-cost Lepton® core, Boson is the first thermal camera core to incorporate a sophisticated, low-power multi-core vision processor unit that helps make Boson the smartest thermal core on the planet. Boson uses FLIR’s XIR™ expandable infrared video processing architecture to help OEMs take advantage of advanced image processing and video analytics while keeping power consumption low. Manufacturers of drones, cars, weapons sights and handheld imagers will now have the ability to process video onboard, and allow Boson to do things our previous cores could not:: Military: Boson will allow our soldiers on the battlefield to use higher-performance thermal technology that is fit into smaller equipment and distributed more broadly because of the lower prices. It will enable soldiers both on the front lines and command centers to use video analytics to better identify combatant locations or areas for safe deployment. Drones: With a smaller design, the weight difference will help improve battery life and extend flight times. Boson will enable smaller drones with thermal imaging video capabilities that may have been available in only in the highest-end applications like those for military. Automotive: Thermal cameras today provide select luxury automakers a more accurate way to detect people and vehicles on the roadway. By connecting the video analytics built into Boson with a vehicle’s electronics system, cars will require fewer components for integration and more importantly, help improve safety for drivers on the road. With higher-performing capabilities at lower cost, Boson could help make thermal technology more accessible to more vehicles. Firefighting: Firefighters already use thermal imaging cameras, but Boson can enable firefighters to access better, smarter, and smaller thermal devices. The last thing a firefighter wants is another heavy tool. Boson can help control the display, control button functions, improve battery life and lead to a wave of smarter and smaller wearable devices for firefighters. With Boson, more firefighters will have access to higher-performing technology that can improve decision-making when seconds matter. Security: Boson will enable smaller higher-performing security cameras to be deployed more broadly. When securing high-value areas like airports, stadiums and ports, more security is better. In security, video is data, and it’s impossible for humans to make real-time decisions based on the vast amount of video data. The video intelligence within Boson could help security teams pinpoint if someone is in an area of a stadium where they shouldn’t be, designate the heated object with a box on a video screen and alert security teams. We’re excited to launch Boson, our first new thermal camera core since Lepton in 2014. We look forward to the range of new products it will enable our OEM partners to develop. For OEMs who want to consider Boson, it’s available for product development testing now. To learn more about the technical details for Boson, visit www.oemcameras.com Source: FLIR