Infrared Camera measures 3 spot temperatures on image.March 5, 2004 - ThermaCAM® E4 allows image post-processing on camera or PC. It can store images as nonradiometric JPEG files or as radiometric JPEG files, which retain full thermographic functionality. Audible alarm sounds off when user-defined high, low, or differential threshold temperature is reached. Built-in Laser LocatIRâ„¢ helps user associate IR image displayed with actual physical target. Camera can measure temperatures from -20 to +900°C to within ±2°C or ±2%.
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Original Press release
Flir Systems, Inc.
16 Esquire Rd.
North Billerica, MA, 01862
USA
FLIR Introduces Ultra Lightweight Infrared Camera with Big-Camera Power
FLIR ThermaCAM® E4 infrared camera features image post-processing, plus alarming and multiple target spots in rugged 1 ½ pound package
N. Billerica, MA (February 20, 2004) - The new Model E4 assures the industry performance leadership of the lightweight, ultra-portable ThermaCAM E-Series of IR cameras. The new E4 model introduces a revolutionary radiometric JPEG image format that allows image post-processing on the camera or on a PC. As a result, what you get is more than what you see. The E4 also provides three independent, movable spot temperature cursors, and audible "beep" alarming for high, low, or temperature-difference thresholds. Earlier E-Series cameras are fully
upgradeable to E4 specifications.
According to Thomas Scanlon, Director of Americas Thermography Products at FLIR Systems, "The ThermaCAM E4 embodies several significant steps forward in the performance of handheld IR camera design. Never before has the thermographer been provided with so many time-saving conveniences by a highly accurate, easily carried IR instrument. With the E4, thermographers can complete plant and distribution system inspections and process monitoring more rapidly, accurately, and conveniently than ever before."
The radiometric JPEG file format integrates thermographic functionality with the familiar, world-standard JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) file format used in Web and other graphics environments. The E4 can store images as radiometric JPEG files, which retain full thermographic functionality. It can also store images as nonradiometric JPEG files. Both
radiometric and nonradiometric JPEG formats can be readily inserted into standard word processing and desktop publishing applications.
However, a radiometric JPEG can be manipulated and analyzed on the E4 itself or on a PC after downloading as though it were still a real-time situation. This capability makes life easier and often safer for thermographers in the field, especially under stressful conditions. All the thermographer has to do is point-freeze-store crisp images. Later, the saved radiometric JPEG images can be analyzed and manipulated-either on the camera, using the E4's ergonomic soft-button interface to move or reconfigure cursor spots, change the temperature scale, change the palette, and much more, or on a PC after downloading using ThermaCAM Reporterâ„¢ or other thermographic post-processing software.
The E4 introduces another useful, time-saving feature-an audible "beep" alarm that sounds off when a user-defined high, low, or differential threshold temperature is reached in an area or on a spot, again, as selected by the user. The thermographer simply scans and the camera beeps when the threshold temperature condition has been reached within the field of view. Typically, a high threshold would be set in electrical and mechanical PdM inspections, and a low threshold
would be selected during building diagnostic inspections for detecting moisture or mold-growth conditions. The alarm can also be set to go off when a temperature differential is reached. This "delta-T" capability can be useful in monitoring temperature-critical processes in manufacturing and food processing environments, for example. The superior spot size to distance ratio performance of the E Series design enables the camera to resolve very small targets accurately, facilitating all alarming options.
The E4 can measure 3 spot temperatures anywhere on the thermal image. This allows not only hot spot data to be collected, but also temperature reference or background data, which can be
equally as important. Optional ThermaCAM Reporter software can measure 5 temperature spots and 5 areas on images downloaded to a PC.
The E4 is engineered for optimal accuracy with unique features such as ambient temperature compensation (ATC) and premium quality optics and can measure temperatures from -20°C
(-40F) up to 900°C (1 ,652°F) to within ±2°C or ±2%. Weighing only 1 ½ pounds with rechargeable batteries, the E4 is easily carried and is 25G shock-rated and sealed for use in the
harshest industrial environment.
The built-in Laser LocatIRâ„¢ laser target designator helps users associate the IR image displayed with the actual physical target. This innovative feature enhances worker safety especially in high voltage electrical environments. Other viewing innovations include a heads-up display (IR-HUD), sometimes referred to as "wearable optics," and a sun shield to enhance outdoor viewing of the LCD. The HUD is mounted on safety glasses and projects the infrared image directly in front of the eye, improving worker safety and productivity by eliminating the need to squint into an eyepiece or look at an LCD screen.
Like a cell phone, the E4's battery can be conveniently charged while still in the camera by plugging into AC or a 12V vehicle accessory socket.
Because of its high performance detector, the E4 is a real-time camera and scans at the standard video rate of 60 Hz. This scan rate allows the operator to scan fast moving objects like rotating equipment or scan while the camera is moving without image smear or distortion and record findings in standard video. Still images captured in the field can be easily transferred to a computer via USB and serial port connections.
About FLIR Systems
FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR), the global leader in infrared cameras and technology, offers infrared cameras for applications involving any portion of the IR spectrum, including near-IR, midwave-IR and longwave IR regimes. A broad range of platforms, sensors, optics, and software solves problems in condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, research and development, manufacturing process control, airborne observation, search and rescue, drug interdiction, surveillance, reconnaissance, navigation safety, border and maritime patrol, environmental monitoring, and security. For more information, or to take a virtual factory tour and see examples of IR in use, please visit the company's web site at
www.flirthermography.com/e-series.
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