With the IRSX series, the North German technology company, Automation Technology, now offers temperature-measuring infrared cameras that are based on an app concept, similar to a smartphone. In addition to a pure GigE version app, smart apps and application-specific apps are also available, making the IRSX an intelligent imaging sensor for stand-alone use. Especially for early fire detection, condition monitoring or thermal monitoring and control of industrial production processes, the use of the temperature-measuring infrared camera has become indispensable, as the reliable temperature data provides customers with an effective basis for checking and controlling their processes and production facilities. However, although the IRSX infrared cameras with and without smart app have the same field of application, they differ significantly in their different functional possibilities and features.
The IRSX infrared cameras with GigE app have no intrinsic intelligence. The focus is on providing the temperature data of interest to the customer. However, both software for data evaluation and an external computer and interfaces for communication with external devices are required for evaluation. The software calculates the temperature data within the previously selected AOI (Area of Interest) from the images of the infrared camera and evaluates them accordingly. If the measured temperature deviates from the operating state defined in the software, an alarm is triggered, for example.
An IRSX smart infrared camera with smart app from AT, on the other hand, is an all-in-one solution for which the customer requires neither expertise in infrared nor additional hardware or software. The smart technology enables complete processing of the temperature data including target/actual comparison using an app directly within the camera, so that it can be used as an autonomous unit in any industrial environment. By eliminating the need for external hardware and software, the customer has much lower installation and maintenance costs, with the camera usually being set up only once for the measurement task. In addition, the IRSX smart infrared camera has numerous integrated interfaces such as Modbus, REST-API/OpenAPI or LUA Scripting, which enables stand-alone direct communication within the framework of the Internet of Things (IoT) with other devices without any problems. No less advantageous is the unique app and job concept of the IRSX smart infrared camera. Just like the principle of a smartphone, any number of apps and jobs can be stored on the device and easily switched between them.
AT also offers several accessories for the IRSX smart infrared camera. For example, various enclosures for universal installation or the smart blackbody IRS Calilux to achieve a measurement accuracy of up to +/- 0.3 °C.
IRS Calilux
When it comes to the accuracy of temperature-measuring infrared cameras, it is the small but very fine differences in the degree range that are ultimately decisive for many applications. With the Smart Blackbody IRS Calilux, AT – Automation Technology has developed the optimal supplement for infrared cameras, with which a previously unattained temperature measurement accuracy of +/- 0.3 °C is now possible – and that even independently of the ambient conditions. This high-precision measurement accuracy is the decisive factor, especially when it comes to measuring body temperature as a preventive measure during the Corona pandemic.
The Smart Blackbody IRS Calilux also impresses with its flexible connectivity, easy integration and enormous range of functions. The connection to infrared cameras or other system components is bidirectional via Ethernet and / or WiFi; when used with an IRSX infrared camera from AT, the data exchange even works directly. The flexibility in terms of integrability into other systems is given by a variety of IoT protocols such as fieldbus, RESTAPI and MQTT, so that the IRS Calilux can be easily used in any industrial environment.
Another advantage of the IRS Calilux is that it can be used to continuously check the measurement accuracy of infrared cameras during operation in order to guarantee the reliable setup of suitable temperature monitoring systems. The AT Smart Blackbody does not only enable precise, reliable temperature measurement, it is also the decisive component for the fail-safe operation of monitoring systems. Finally, the IRS Calilux is also available in a version to check the calibration of infrared cameras in the shortest possible time directly on site.
