• Home
• News Release
• Far-Infrared High-Sensitivity Security Camera and High-Performance Lens Series, Jointly Developed

News Release

February 23, 2011

Tamron Co., Ltd.

NEC Avio Infrared Technologies Co., Ltd.

Far-Infrared High-Sensitivity Security Camera and
High-Performance Lens Series,
Jointly Developed by the Industry's Two Leading Companies

February 23, 2011 (Tokyo, Japan; NEC Avio Infrared Technologies Co., Ltd.) - NEC Avio Infrared Technologies Co., Ltd., the top infrared technology device company in Japan, and Tamron Co., Ltd., an integrated manufacturer of optical products and a leader in the security market, announced their joint development of a far-infrared (far-IR) high-sensitivity camera and a series of six high-performance interchangeable lenses for use in security applications.

Far-infrared camera module, six interchangeable lenses (including two zoom lenses), and housing (two types)

Development Concept

Far-IR cameras began drawing attention as a screening device to deal with the pandemics (widespread outbreaks of infectious disease) that have repeatedly occurred in recent years, and consequently they are now used in a range of different areas. Infrared rays are of longer wavelength than the visible spectrum, so infrared sensors are able to detect heat and create images of objects and phenomena that cannot be filmed using a normal-view camera, by minimizing the impact of no lighting at night or obstructing objects such as fog. With this key feature, the market for far-IR cameras for security and surveillance is expected to grow significantly.

In security applications, there is an increased need for improved image recognition. In our joint development work, we used an optical image stabilization system to improve the far-IR sensor's sensitivity and image processing capability. This also rectified image deterioration caused by vibrations at the camera installation point. The result is a high-performance lens that delivers high-resolution images at any focal distance using an optical zoom.

The jointly developed far-IR camera and lenses

With this new far-IR camera, we have achieved significantly higher sensitivity, bundled with a variety of image processing capabilities. At the same time, we offer six types of interchangeable lenses that come equipped with VC (Vibration Compensation) optical image stabilization for far-IR cameras – the world's first – and the industry's premium zoom optical system optimized for the far-infrared range. And with the groundbreaking adoption of an interchangeable lens system, the camera and lenses may be flexibly used in a variety of combinations, depending on the respective monitoring situation.

1. Highly sensitive far-infrared sensor and expanded image processing

The combination of NEC Avio Infrared Technologies' far-infrared and image processing technologies produces surveillance images with even higher resolution.

• Higher sensitivity: Equipped with far-infrared high-sensitivity sensor
• Optimized display: Clear display throughout high, low temperature fluctuations
• Edge enhancement: Silhouette contour lines are amplified to facilitate identification of the subject of interest
• S/N improvement: Digital attenuation of noise

2. All lenses equipped with VC (Vibration Compensation) optical image stabilization, the first for far-IR cameras (the world's first*)

Particularly for outdoor installation, images often deteriorate as a result of conditions such as wind and ground vibrations. To rectify this situation, all lenses are equipped with an optical image stabilization system, the first for far-IR cameras. The result is high-resolution monitoring images.

• ( * Source: NEC Avio Infrared Technologies Co., Ltd., January 2011)

3. Lens with optical zoom ratio of 3x optimized for far-infrared bandwidth (2 models)

We have developed zoom lenses that cover the optimal focal distance for both mid- and long-distance monitoring purposes. The two 3x zoom lenses address the need for a wide range of field of view angles, and ensures high-resolution images at all focal distances.

4. Adoption of interchangeable lens system

A combination of four fixed focal length lenses and two zoom lenses is offered, to allow flexibility for different monitoring situations. The system can be reconfigured by changing the lens to fit the respective purpose. This improves convenience of installation, speed of delivery, and inventory control.

Anticipated Uses

Long-distance surveillance in pitch-dark night conditions, surveillance of intruders into key facilities, monitoring of poachers, traffic network monitoring, warehouse surveillance, monitoring of obstacles on routes, detection of forest fire outbreaks, monitoring of tunnels, maritime surveillance

Main Specifications*

Camera
Wavelength range	8 - 14μm
Imager	Uncooled microbolometer
Effective pixel array	320 (H) ×240 (V) pixels
Frame rate	60 frames/second or 8.5 frames/second
NETD	80mK (when using F1.4 lens)　　50mK (when using F1.0 lens)

Lens
Focal length	25mm	35mm	50mm	100mm	15-45mm	35-105mm
Equivalent 35mm format	115mm	161mm	230mm	460mm	69-207mm	161-483mm
Maximum aperture (F no.)	F1.4	F1.4	F1.4	F1.0	F1.4	F1.0
Horizontal FOV Vertical FOV	17.2° 12.9°	12.3° 9.2°	8.6° 6.5°	4.3° 3.2°	29.3-9.5° 21.9-7.1°	12.3-4.1° 9.2-3.1°
Focusing range	0.5m～∞	0.5m～∞	0.7m～∞	7m～∞	1m～∞	W:2m～∞ T:5m～∞
Focus drive	Motor driven
Image stabilization functionality	Yes
Athermal compensation	Yes
Optical zoom	－	－	－	－	Motor driven
Mount structure	Bayonet type

Housing
Size	Large: 175×175×516 (mm)　Small: 150×150×423 (mm)
Dust and water proofing feature	IP66 compliant

• * Specifications and external appearance are subject to change without prior notice.

For reference: What is a far-IR camera

Objects naturally emit rays of various wavelengths relative to their temperature. In contrast to regular or night-vision cameras, the key feature of far-IR cameras is their ability to generate imaging signals from the far-infrared region (electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of approximately 8 – 14μm). As the wavelength of these electromagnetic waves differs according to the thermal profile of the object, a far-IR camera produces images from such differentials in local temperatures. For this reason, using a far-IR camera is also referred to as thermography.

Contacts

To Top of  Page

News Release

• 2012
• 2011
• 2010
• 2009
• 2008

Copyright © Nippon Avionics Co.,Ltd. All Rights Reserved.