by Brianna Crandall — May 11, 2018 — Sensor systems producer FLIR Systems recently announced it is embedding its thermal imaging technology into a new line of outdoor perimeter security cameras to enhance accuracy and reduce costs, and that drone company DJI is integrating the technology into its new DJI Zenmuse XT2 drone camera to improve awareness for first responders and optimize remote monitoring of mechanical and electrical equipment.
Saros line of security cameras
The Saros line of security cameras is FLIR’s next-generation outdoor security product line that combines multiple traditional perimeter protection technologies into a unified solution. This approach is designed to deliver accurate, actionable alerts and verified alarm data.
The FLIR Saros security camera line enables commercial businesses to implement state-of-the-art outdoor intrusion detection in a cost-effective manner. Image courtesy FLIR
The FLIR Saros camera line enables commercial businesses to implement state-of-the-art outdoor intrusion detection in a cost-effective manner. Traditional perimeter security systems can require substantial investment, both in infrastructure and in ongoing expenses stemming from false alarms. FLIR Saros not only greatly reduces the cost of initial deployment by minimizing the amount of equipment required, but also reduces false positives with built-in advanced analytics, expanding the outdoor perimeter protection market for security alarm monitoring companies.
A single FLIR Saros unit combines numerous security technologies, including:
- Multiple FLIR Lepton thermal sensors — Provides the ability to deliver wide-area monitoring regardless of unfavorable lighting or weather conditions
- High-definition optical cameras — Option of 1080p or 4K resolution to realize accurate visual identification of intruders
- IR and visible LED illuminators — Ability to deter intruders with white light illumination
- Advanced onboard analytics — Accurate target detection and classification, to help reduce false alarms
- Two-way audio and digital input/outputs — Enables real-time audio response
The FLIR Saros platform was designed and engineered with today’s cybersecurity risks in mind, with end-to-end encryption for setup, web, and video streams, and configuration lockdown after initial setup for increased tamper prevention. FLIR Saros also eliminates the need for port-forwarding, so devices are less exposed to remote security attacks.
James Cannon, president and CEO of FLIR, remarked:
FLIR Saros, equipped with multiple FLIR Leptons, represents a new security paradigm for wide-area commercial locations that face the threat of loss. FLIR Saros products open new business opportunities for both central monitoring stations and security integrators looking to distinguish themselves in the industry. The Saros family is an important addition to FLIR’s security portfolio and supports our goal of innovating technologies that increase perception and awareness to support professionals in decision-making that saves lives and livelihoods.
Initial FLIR Saros models — in both dome and multi-imager form factors — will begin shipping in North America and Europe in the third quarter of 2018 through FLIR’s established network of dealers and integrators. For more information on FLIR Saros in the US or Europe, visit the respective websites.
DJI Zenmuse XT2 dual-sensor commercial drone camera
DJI, a provider of civilian drones and aerial imaging, will integrate a FLIR thermal imaging sensor technology into its new DJI Zenmuse XT2 drone camera. The DJI Zenmuse XT2, DJI’s first dual sensor and its most advanced gimbal-stabilized camera for commercial drone applications, furthers the collaboration between FLIR and DJI.
The DJI Zenmuse XT2 drone camera allows operators to switch between thermal and visible cameras in flight, and embosses high-fidelity, visible-light details onto the thermal imagery to enhance image quality and perspective. Image courtesy FLIR
Built with industrial and public safety applications in mind, the DJI Zenmuse XT2 expands upon the benefits in the first thermal-equipped camera jointly developed by FLIR and DJI, the DJI Zenmuse XT. The new drone camera includes both a high-definition 4K color video camera and a high-resolution radiometric thermal camera, allowing operators to switch between thermal and visible cameras in flight. The Zenmuse XT2 also uses FLIR’s patented MSX technology, or multispectral dynamic imaging, that embosses high-fidelity, visible-light details onto the thermal imagery to enhance image quality and perspective.
The Zenmuse XT2 is compatible with the DJI Matrice 600 and Matrice 200 Series platforms and integrates with DJI’s data transmission technology for live video display. Full integration gives drone operators plug-and-play installation, real-time control, and recording during flight in thermal, visible, or thermal/visible picture-in-picture. This flexibility allows operators to acquire double the data in a single camera and stay focused on mission-critical tasks, says FLIR.
FLIR President and CEO Cannon stated:
The arrival of the DJI Zenmuse XT2 with a FLIR sensor signifies an important technological advancement for drone operators who need both a visible camera and the superpower benefits of thermal imaging in one product. Now drone operators can capture data without landing, an important advantage for search-and-rescues [sic] operations, monitor the health of mechanical and electrical equipment remotely, and identify potential problems in buildings. Our collaboration with DJI perfectly aligns with our mission to use our thermal technology to help save lives and livelihoods.
Roger Luo, president at DJI, added:
Since the introduction of our first FLIR camera in 2015 we have seen strong demand for thermal imaging-based products because they have helped transform DJI drones into essential and often lifesaving tools across a wide variety of industries. We are excited to introduce our next generation product together, the Zenmuse XT2, which is easier and more efficient to operate, and further demonstrates our commitment to innovation in the commercial drone industry.
The Zenmuse XT2 also joins the Thermal by FLIR partner program, which FLIR created to fuel thermal innovation. Additional Thermal by FLIR partners include Cat Phones, Casio, Panasonic, ARSENZ, and TinkerForge.
To learn more about the Zenmuse XT2, visit the FLIR website.
