Thermal imaging cameras are now becoming more and more popular for security and surveillance applications and, that being the case, FLIR Systems has just issued several new models for end users.
Models in the company’s SR-Series range of fixed mount thermal imaging cameras, for example, have been described as “extremely affordable, easy to install and to use.” With original models already incorporated across numerous security networks, FLIR Systems is now launching a new variant.
Although they still look the same from the outside, all SR-Series models now come with a new thermal imaging core, allowing the user to see even farther than before. This means that end users can now detect targets at longer distances for the same initial budgetary spend.
The SR-Series models are said to employ “the most advanced thermal imaging technology available on the market today”. They incorporate an un-cooled Vanadium Oxide microbolometer detector, producing crisp 320 x 240 pixel thermal images. Users who don’t require this high image quality can instead opt for a 160 x 120 detector.
More detail, greater detection
More pixels allow the end user to see more detail and to detect more and smaller objects. According to FLIR, advanced internal camera software delivers a crisp image without the need for user adjustments and provides high quality thermal imaging in any night or daytime conditions.
SR-Series cameras are supplied in the following models and lens options:
The end user selecting a version of the SR-Series equipped with a 320 x 240 pixel detector has even more choice:
Longer lenses have a narrower field of view and allow the user to see much further. With the SR-304, security operatives will be able to detect a man-sized target at a distance of over 2 km.
Fixed thermal imaging cameras
Models in the SR-Series are fixed thermal imaging cameras. They provide crisp, clear thermal imagery in total darkness, light fog or smoke. They feature the same thermal imaging technology found in many of FLIR’s most sophisticated security and surveillance systems, but are packaged for users who have mid-range security and surveillance as their primary application.
They include FLIR’s advanced image processing techniques which deliver excellent contrast regardless of scene dynamics. Unlike other night vision systems that require low amounts of light to generate an image, the SR-Series units don’t need any light at all. There’s no need for the expense or complication of added lighting infrastructures.
The new SR-Series models “contain the best Vanadium Oxide microbolometer detector technology on the market today”. This provides the camera with an excellent sensitivity so that the user is able to see the smallest of details in the image even at long ranges.
Image quality is further enhanced through FLIR Systems’ patented DDE (Digital Detail Enhancement) image processing technology.
Equipped with an ‘athermal lens’, the SR-Series units are able to maintain focus no matter what the environmental temperature happens to be. There’s no need for user adjustments – once a camera is installed, all SR-Series thermal imaging models will deliver a sharp, focused image.
No motorized focus mechanism
The absence of a motorized focus mechanism prevents mechanical breakdowns. The SR-Series models don’t need any maintenance whatsoever. That fact alone guarantees an extremely low total cost of ownership.
SR-Series cameras can be easily connected to the common power and video interfaces found in existing and new security systems. They may be easily integrated into any existing CCTV infrastructure providing early detection and visibility 24/7 all the year round.
Images of the 320 x 240 pixel detector can be displayed on virtually any existing monitor that accepts composite video.
The SR-Series models are extremely rugged systems. Their vital core is well protected, meeting IP66 requirements and protecting against dust and water ingress.
These cameras operate between -40 degrees C and +55 degrees C. They feature a built-in heater which ensures a clear lens and “perfect” infrared images displayed on the monitor screens even in extremely cold environments.
Multi-sensor thermal outdoor domes
Many of today’s end users require thermal imaging cameras that may be seamlessly integrated within new or existing TCP/IP networks. The new FLIR D-Series outdoor dome multi-sensor thermal imaging cameras might just be the answer to their prayers.
D-Series thermal security cameras allow monitoring officers to see intruders and other threats to the facility clearly in total darkness and in bad weather. The D-Series outdoor dome enclosure provides precision pan/tilt control while affording fully-programmable scan patterns and slew-to-alarm functionality.
Totally enabled for control and operation over IP and serial networks, D-Series systems deploy a 320 x 240 thermal imager along with a day/night 36x zoom color CCD camera.
FLIR’s D-Series thermal multi-sensor security dome cameras are the perfect replacement for day/night dome cameras, providing clear 24/7 imaging capability in an attractive, discrete dome-style enclosure.
D-Series thermal imaging cameras incorporate an advanced, un-cooled Vanadium Oxide microbolometer detector. These help to produce crisp thermal images of 320 x 240 pixels on which the smallest of details can be seen.
Advanced internal camera software delivers a crisp image without the need for user adjustments. It provides high quality thermal imaging in any night- or daytime environmental conditions. There’s no need for the expense or complication of added lighting infrastructure.
Multitude of lens options for the user
Depending on their needs, the end user can choose from the following lens options:
The D-Series cameras provide high contrast imagery optimised such that the end user may eke out the most return from their video analytics software. Digital Detail Enhancement ensures clear, properly contrasted thermal images in all weather conditions.
In tandem with an ‘athermal lens’, all D-Series models are able to maintain focus no matter what the environmental temperature happens to be. There’s no need for user adjustments.
Equipped with a 35 mm lens, the D-313 is designed for mid-range security and surveillance applications. The D-313 has a 13 degrees field of view. With the D-313, users will be able to detect a man-sized target at a distance of over 790 metres.
All D-Series thermal imaging cameras are installed on a precision pan/tilt mechanism. These mechanisms allow the user to rotate the cameras 360 degrees on a continuous basis and to tilt them +45 degrees to -180 degrees . This drastically increases situational awareness. The pan/tilt boasts 128 preset positions – ideal if the user wishes to scan an area on a continuous basis.
Video outputs on a simultaneous basis
All versions are equipped with a long range daylight/low light camera. The video outputs of both the thermal imaging and daylight/low light cameras are available on a simultaneous basis. The daylight camera offers a 36x optical zoom.
Various options exist to connect the D-Series cameras and integrate them into an existing CCTV infrastructure, in turn providing early detection and visibility 24/7 all year round.
They can be configured for stand-alone use, as part of a network or in a hybrid configuration with local and network-based control.
For an analogue configuration, installers simply connect the D-Series over RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 to a remote control panel. Pelco D and Bosch commands are used for common functions. A video cable may be connected to any existing multi-function display that accepts composite video.
In terms of TCP/IP configuration, the D-Series models can be integrated in any existing TCP/IP network and controlled over a PC. No additional cables are required. Using this configuration, end users can monitor all activity over their network, even when they might be thousands of kilometres away.
Multiple channels of streaming digital video available are available in H.264, MPEG-4 or M-JPEG formats. Simultaneous digital and composite video output is also possible.
The FLIR Sensors Manager
Each D-Series camera comes with a single sensor copy of FLIR Sensors Manager. This intuitive software allows managing and controlling a D-Series camera in a TCP/IP network.
The D-Series cameras can be easily connected to the common power and video interfaces found in existing and new security systems. They may be easily integrated with any existing CCTV infrastructure, in turn providing early detection and visibility on a 24/7, year-round basis.
These cameras operate between -25 degrees C and +55 degrees C.
Meantime, the FLIR F-Series thermal security cameras allow security staff to see intruders and other threats to their facility clearly in both total darkness and bad weather. There’s no need for the expense or complication of added lighting infrastructure. The cameras may easily be installed in a TCP/IP network. Analogue configuration for use in legacy networks is also possible.
Like their cousins, the F-Series thermal imaging cameras incorporate an advanced uncooled Vanadium Oxide microbolometer detector.
Different versions are available. F-Series models exist with a high resolution 640 x 480 pixel detector, providing up to four times the image clarity and longer range performance than systems with a 320 x 240 pixel detector. It’s no less than 16 times the image quality of a system that incorporates a 160 x 120 pixels detector. As stated, more pixels allow the user to see more detail, and to detect more and smaller objects.
Advanced internal camera software delivers a crisp image without the need for user adjustments. The software provides high quality thermal imaging in any night or daytime environmental condition.
Different resolutions and lens solutions
Equipped with a 160 x 120 pixels detector, the F-Series cameras are supplied in the following models with the following lens options:
End users selecting a version of the F-Series camera equipped with a 320 x 240 pixel detector can choose from the following options:
The 640 x 480 pixels versions boast the following lens options:
Revolutionary cassette system
FLIR Systems has invented a “revolutionary” cassette system. There’s no longer any need to buy a completely new camera if you want to upgrade your existing one. Exchangeable camera cassettes allow for quick upgrade or repair of sensors and optics.
There’s absolutely no need to send your camera back to the factory if you want to upgrade to better image quality or more range performance. This can easily be done in the field. Changing the cassette and upgrading takes but a matter of minutes.
The F-Series models also provide high contrast imagery optimised to get the most out of video analytics software. Digital Detail Enhancement ensures clear, properly contrasted thermal images in all weather conditions.
Equipped with a 100 mm lens, the F-304 is designed for mid-range security and surveillance applications. The F-304 has a 4 degrees field of view. With the F-304, end users will be able to detect a man-sized target at a distance of over 2 km.
Again, the absence of a motorised focus mechanism prevents mechanical breakdowns. The F-Series cameras do not require any maintenance, once again guaranteeing an extremely low total cost of ownership.
Multiple installation options for customers
Various options exist to connect the F-Series cameras and integrate them within an existing CCTV infrastructure that can also provide early detection and visibility on a 24/7 basis, all year round.
These cameras may be configured for stand-alone use, as part of a network or in a hybrid configuration with local and network-based control.
For the analogue configuration, installers or integrators simply connect the F-Series units over RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 to a remote control panel. Pelco D or Bosch commands are used for common functions. A video cable may be connected to any existing multi-function display that accepts composite video.
The TCP/IP network configuration
The F-Series models may be integrated with any existing TCP/IP network and controlled over a PC. No additional cables are required. Using this configuration, security professionals may monitor all activity over the network from any given location.
Multiple channels of streaming digital video available are available in H.264, MPEG-4 or M-JPEG formats. Simultaneous digital and composite video output is standard on this range.
Each F-Series camera is supplied with a single sensor copy of FLIR Sensors Manager. This intuitive software allows managing and controlling a F-Series camera in a TCP/IP network.
The F-Series models can be easily connected to the common power and video interfaces found in existing and new security systems.
Designed for use in harsh environments
The F-Series cameras are extremely rugged systems. They operate between -40 degrees C and +55 degrees C, and have a built-in heater to maintain a clear lens.
FLIR’s PT-Series multi-sensor thermal imaging cameras are an answer to their demands.
Last but not least, the PT-Series thermal security cameras’ precision pan/tilt mechanism gives operators accurate pointing control while providing fully programmable scan patterns and slew-to-alarm functionality.
PT-Series units can easily be installed in a TCP/IP network. Analogue configuration for use in legacy networks is also possible.
PT-Series thermal imaging cameras incorporate an advanced uncooled Vanadium Oxide microbolometer detector. Different versions are available. PT-Series exist with a high resolution 640 x 480 pixels detector, providing up to four times the image clarity and longer range performance than systems with a 320 x 240 pixel detector.
Models and lens options for the PT-Series models
Equipped with a 160 x 120 pixel detector, the PT-Series units come in the following models with the following lens options:
The user that chooses for a version of the PT-Series equipped with a 320 x 240 pixel detector has even more choice:
The 640 x 480 pixels versions of the PT-Series have the following lens options:
Equipped with a 100 mm lens, the PT-304 is designed for mid-range security and surveillance applications. The PT-304 has a 4 degrees field of view. With the PT-304 you will be able to detect a man-sized target at a distance of over 2 km.
All PT-Series thermal imaging cameras are installed on a precision pan/tilt mechanism. This allows the user to rotate the camera 360 degrees continuously and to tilt it +90 degrees or -90 degrees . This drastically increases situational awareness. The pan/tilt has 128 preset positions – ideal if you want to scan an area on a continuous basis.
The PT-Series models can be connected to a radar system. If the radar detects an object, the PT-Series unit will automatically turn in the right direction and give the end user a visual image so that they can instantly see what the blip on the radar screen really means. This functionality is extremely useful (in border security applications, for instance).
