One of the world’s largest suppliers of video surveillance cameras and systems, Chinese company Dahua Technology, has released an entry-level hybrid thermal imaging camera that has multiple applications within the transportation industry.
Long recognized by the military for their capabilities, thermal imaging cameras can provide the optimal detection of vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, by detecting their heat signatures under both night and day conditions. Thermal cameras outperform other detection technologies by detecting the heat given off by everything in their field of view, so, unlike traditional video cameras, they do not get ‘confused’ by the sun’s glare, darkness, headlights, shadows, wet streets, snow and fog. However, most of the thermal cameras previously available in the industrial market have been bulky and above the affordable limit of most transportation projects.
Due to recent advances in thermal and infrared image processing technology, and a reduction in the cost of the components is lowering, Dahua, has now launched an entry-level thermal mini hybrid bullet camera, the TPC-BF2120. Featuring intelligent functions at an affordable price, the TPC-BF2120 is a thermal camera that can be installed like any other visible-spectrum surveillance camera. Compact and durable, the BF2120 has small external dimensions of 9.39 x 3.56 x 3.56in (24 x 9 x 9cm), combined with an IP67 ingress protection grade, which provides strong environmental resistance to water, dust and other contaminants.
The unit combines one thermal camera for monitoring in total darkness and one optical camera with a Sony STARVIS sensor to acquire high resolution color images. Featuring a dual-channel spectrum, external infrared (IR) lamp, the BF2120 deploys Dahua’s advanced image analysis and intelligent algorithms in the optical camera, and fully integrates them into the thermal camera. The camera is connected using one IP (Internet Protocol) address, and the IR LED illumination is automatically turned on at night or under low light levels to make sure details are not missed.
In addition to basic functions such as ROI, IVS, PIP and image fusion, the camera supports multiple intelligent functions, meeting the demand of daily video surveillance, fire hazard warning and alarm message delivery. Supporting ONVIF Protocol, the BF2120 is compatible with most mainstream third-party VMS platforms, as well as DSS (Dahua Security Software). The camera is particularly suitable for fire detection in tunnels, parking facility surveillance, and any application requiring the identification of people or vehicles under all lighting conditions.
