Xenics Focuses on Modular IR Solutions for Homeland Security

Modularity Takes Center Stage
Modularity across a broad variety of specifications and functionalities that systems designers can pick and choose from according to their applications is the key message that Xenics brings to SPIE DSS 2013. To shorten and simplify the demanding design of surveillance and industrial systems, Xenics introduces a family of high-resolution IR camera models with on-board image processing capabilities and based on the so called 'XenicsCores'.

XenicsCores comprises 20+ new IR camera models, both line-scan and 2D, of various resolutions. These IR camera models are all built on a modular, common FPGA platform that takes into account optimum sensor settings and signal extraction. They can be tuned to optimum power dissipation levels and combined with all appropriate sensors for the short- and long-wave IR, a variety of lenses, and data interfaces such as GigE Vision, CameraLink and (soon to come) CoaXPress, as well as analog video.

Among the most important features of XenicsCores is a set of embedded algorithms provided on-board to perform image correction and calibration, as well as enhancement functions such as auto gain, histogram stretching, bad-pixel replacement, etc., right within the camera.

The on-board XenicsCores’ algorithms extract the most relevant information from raw sensor data and accommodate them to the given application. This alleviates systems designers of the time consuming task of developing their own software-based specs to obtain good image quality. Getting the visual information best suited to the application environment straight from the camera makes a newly configured system directly operable by security personnel.

Additionally, by employing the XenicsCores in-camera processing power, the user gains full control over a wide range of settings to allow manual or semi-automatic adaptation of image quality to the application. This pertains to parameters such as offset value, exposure time, and others. In the past, says Bob Grietens, Xenics founder and CEO, users had to perform a lot of image processing in their self-developed software. We have moved this control functionality from the application back to the camera.

Image Fusion Reveals Hidden Objects
At SPIE DSS Xenics will also demonstrate image fusion: combining image capture in different wavelength realms – short- or long-wave and visible – in one resulting overlay picture. This is especially important in reduced-visibility or night-vision applications to highlight hidden structures or vehicles and to distinguish between self-radiating and reflecting objects. Fusion is done by operating thermal (LWIR) and optical (SWIR or VIS) cameras side by side in a common housing, for example a gimbal system.

Xenics' Unique Position: Covering the Full IR
By enabling image fusion of different thermal and optical realms, our IR cameras exemplify our continuing innovation strategy, says Bob Grietens, Xenics CEO. Add to that megapixel resolution and a product portfolio covering the entire IR, and you have the future of image processing technology as we pursue it today and in the future.

On Day One of SPIE DSS 2013, Xenics is presenting a paper A low-noise, extended dynamic-range 1.3 Megapixel InGaAs array, outlining the characterization results of a 1280x1024-pixel, 17µm-pitch InGaAs array for the SWIR in the 0.9 – 1.7µm range. The device was designed by Xenics' in-house design team in Leuven.