These Cameras are vehicle and dashboard mounted Thermal Cameras that can assist anyone, especially First Responders and Law Enforcement Personnel in locating and avoiding road hazards and suspects in total darkness. These Cameras provide images that would not ordinarily be seen in the dark and allows for quicker reaction time and greater opportunity to apprehend an otherwise “hidden in the dark” suspect. This technology is identical to the technology used by Military to view heated objects at night. Since thermal cameras measure surface temperatures and differential temperatures, viewing any warm body, human or animal, is easily seen on the camera screen. Humans and other warm blooded animals offer significant thermal contrast to driving backgrounds and are easy to spot with a mounted Thermal Camera. This system allows drivers to visualize and “see” hazards and objects without any additional lighting and provides real-time imaging at any speed. The Thermal system absolutely offers greater sight advantage and reduces the incidence of serious vehicle accidents for humans or wildlife. The Cameras and the lenses are capable of “seeing” four times beyond the range of headlights and officers get more time to react to road hazards.

Road Hazards

Here are two images as seen with and without the thermal camera. Note the possibility of the accidental hazard that might exist if only viewing the scene with available light and normal eye vision rather than with a thermal image present.

Figure 1

Figure 2 .

Understanding Thermal Cameras for Vehicles

The human eye uses reflected light to visualize and produce an image. Daylight cameras, night-vision devices, and the human eye all work on the same basic principle. When light energy reflects off of an object, our eyes receive that signal and produce the appropriate image. In darkness, or in fog, or in smoke, we are limited to the external light provided. If there isn’t enough light or the artificial light is not sufficient, we no longer see clearly or see at all. When using “night vision” devices, the available light is magnified to produce an image. These devices have range limitations especially in extremely low-light conditions. It becomes difficult to view or recognize an object or produce any contrast for the image we would like to find. The thermal contrast between an object and its surroundings is what Maritime and Safety Professionals are seeking.

Thermal cameras measure the reflected thermal energy and are not susceptible or responsive to daylight or artificial light. Vehicle mounted Thermal Cameras indicate temperature variations usually by a display of a sharp black and white contrast screen. By sensing this thermal energy and displaying it as black and white video, thermal cameras allow you to see things from farther away and with greater contrast than conventional visible-light cameras and night-vision technologies. As long as there is a temperature variation, within the resolution and sensitivity of the selected camera, the image will be displayed. The use of flashlights and high beam patrol lights, when the Safety and Security professionals might want to maintain their hidden position, is never necessary.

Vehicle Ready Integration

As noted in the above image, a mounted vehicle monitor allows the driver to visualize more information and react sooner using the Thermal Camera. It should be noted that the wildlife seen on the monitor may be up to four (4) times farther down the road than might be seen using standard vehicle headlights. This increase in vision increases identification and the ultimate safety for the professional. Vehicle Thermal Cameras are easy to install, work with most commercial displays, and can be mounted according to the requirements of each driver or agency.

Features and Benefits of Mounted Thermal Cameras

• See Objects, Suspects, Obstacles, Animals, and any Heat Source in Total Darkness - Temperature can be seen in the dark, so can suspects or hazards can be seen in dark.
• Enhances Drivers Vision in Darkness for Better Decisions - See four times beyond the range of headlights; get more time to react to road hazards.
• Can be Utilized as Surveillance without moving - Monitor the activity of suspects without their knowledge, in total darkness, from a distance.
• See Through Smoke & Light Fog - These Thermal Cameras see through smoke, allowing Safety Professionals to respond safely in brush fire or tunnel fire situations.
• Supplied with Wide Angle Lens - See hazards from a longer distance enabling lives to be saved and property to be protected.
• Standard High Pixel Count Array

Camera Features to Consider

• High Impact Construction for Rugged Environment - Will the camera survive the environment it will be placed in?
• Wide angle Lens for Total Road Viewing - 36° H x 27° V FOV lens balances longer detection range with viewing of either side of road
• Heater to Insure Operation for Cold Weather Conditions - Automatically activates when temperature reaches 4 degrees C providing use in cold weather conditions
• See Through Smoke & Light Fog - These Thermal Cameras see through smoke, allowing Safety Professionals to respond safely in brush fire or tunnel fire situations.
• Enclosure Sealed for Weather Uncertainties - IP69 rated, hermetically sealed providing extra insurance in all weather conditions
• Simple Operation and Connection for Power and Video Output - Uses 20ft cable and input power and output for standard monitor
• Small and Lightweight Consideration
• High Display Resolution for Cleaner Images - 320 x 240 pixel display size allows you to see clearly and with clean images in total darkness, further than with headlamps alone, through light fog, smoke, and dust with the same technology used by the U.S. Government

Vehicle Thermal Camera Summary

Many serious accidents occur at night because the driver is not able to see the obstruction and cause of the accident in time to prevent the collision. Thermal Camera Vehicle Mounted Systems directly address this problem. The camera allows drivers and Safety Professional to see farther ahead on night time roadways and identify potential problems earlier. Humans and other warm blooded animals offer significant thermal contrast to driving backgrounds and are easy to spot with a thermal Camera. This system allows drivers to see without any additional lighting and provides real-time imaging at any speed and also allows them to see pedestrians, cars, animals, and virtually any other hazard from farther away, and as they approach the road from either side. For additional information on Vehicle Mounted Thermal cameras, please call one of our Certified Thermal Camera Experts to discuss your requirements.