The new EyeRCore-2 is the next generation in thermal imaging engine. Designed to offer ultra-low power consumption offers powerful built in FPGA, tecless and shutter less operation and utilizes the latest 640x480 17µm pixel imager. This has provided a dramatic improvement in video quality combined with a significant increase in picture resolution against the 25µ pitch predecessor.
Shutter less technology allows uncooled IR engines and cameras to operate continuously without the need for a mechanical shutter for NUC (Non Uniformity Correction) operations. By eliminating the need for a shutter, these engines are constantly open; experiencing no image freezes - critical to applications such as missile warning systems. Shutter less engines are also smaller and lighter than conventional engines, operate silently, have a faster start up time, consume less power and have better MTBF. The NUC function is achieved by using look up tables and carried out on the fly.
Packed in a small, lightweight, low power format this thermal imaging engine is based on a 640x480 pixels 17micron ASi microbolometer detector. It is tuned to the long wave infrared band with a sensitivity ofwhilecarrying out the required tasks to ensure the success of the operation. These features also offer major advantages in the security market with the ability to detect threats from long distances. With a 45mm lens detection of a man is 1200meters and 2480meters with a 135mm lens. As thermal is totally passive people trying to gain access into secure sites are not aware of camera positions at night as no lighting system is required. This also ensures that the cost of running and installing the system are reduced as lights, either normal or IR, are not required and neither are the associated power supply and cables. So thermal imaging also supplies a greener solution than traditional CCTV. The high contrast of thermal imaging, target to background temperature level, ensures that video analytics work extremely well allowing tracking, people counting, etc. to be effectively carried out.
Designers should note that easy system integration is the hallmark of the EyeRCore-2. Its design supports multiple communication protocols and physical interfaces. The engine offers standard video PAL & NTSC, Camera Link, TTL and BT656 outputs. Video processing techniques such as edge enhancement, local DRC, time domain filter, NUC BPR etc. are integrated into the engine electronics offering maximum flexibility in the field. Auto focus (needs motorised lens), and continuous zoom further facilities enhance the range of applications in which it can be used. The Engine runs from a 4-14Volt rail and draws just 1.75W.. This engine runs at full frame rate, operates in temperatures from -40º to +75º and complies with MIL-STD 1471D/810F/610. Time to first image is 2 seconds. Graphical features include the ability for users to add their own logo, on screen menu, text, 32 reticules are available as are color pallets of 256 colours. Continuous digital zoom from x1 to x12 and ROI features further increase the powerful features of this system. The engine can store up to 100 snap shots for further investigation. The EyeRCore-2 is only 33(W) x41 (H) x36.6 (L) mm and weighsflat configuration (the thermal head is attached to the processing board by a flexi board allowing the head to be on a different plane to the main board) enabling the system to be installed in very small spaces such as portable TWS and missile homing device. Ensuring that current users of the Eye series cores important feature is mechanical backward compatibility to previous legacy thermal engines cores which enables easy, simple and cost effective upgrade of the state of the art EyeRCore-2 engine. A major advantage is that this item is not ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) controlled. So full traceability from manufacture to end-user is not required simplifying the paper chain system, and allowing it to be supplied with full frame rates.
EyeRCore-2 is the way forward providing a simple, cost effective solution of monitoring large areas and borders for security applications, industrial monitoring of machine plants and electronics for heating of bearings, contacts, generators, etc. and allowing long range detection of intruders, pirates, etc. to assist in the safety of civilian and military personnel.
