The new ThermoVision A10 from FLIR Systems is believed to be the world's
smallest thermal imaging camera. Measuring just 34mm x 35mm x 48mm
(without lens) and weighing just 120g, the unit combines the latest
vanadium oxide detectors with one of the industry's most advanced
on-focal plane signal processing systems for exceptional image quality
and thermal resolution.
Both analogue RS 170A (CCIR) and 14-bit digital outputs are standard,
providing direct support for machine vision and imaging applications. An
auto-ranging function detects very hot scenes and automatically switches
into an extended temperature range mode, allowing imaging up to 400oC.
The 14-bit digital image data is processed into the 8-bit domain of
analogue video via a conversion algorithm. This maintains image quality,
frame by frame, to increase the contrast in the darker/colder areas while
avoiding 'washout' of the brighter/hotter objects in the image frame.
An image optimisation system pre-processes image data, avoiding the need
for detector array temperature stabilisation. This allows the A10 to
operate over a wide ambient temperature range without the complexity and
power consumption of a thermoelectric cooler.