Tactical panoramic video ball creeps in
The Explorer, as the softball-sized is dubbed, is covered in a thick black rubber shell that withstands 7ft drops onto concrete (per MIL-STD 810). Inside is a custom, six-lensed camera that pulls raw images from its lenses simultaneously into one processor, each lens being surrounded by LED lights. When activated, the camera snaps photos from all lenses, a few times every second and the images are then automatically stitched by the appropriate app into full panoramic images, at a refresh rate of one full panoramic image per second.
This very fast refresh rate (an order of magnitude faster than comparable panoramic cameras) is only possible through the company’s proprietary image-stitching software, developed by engineers at the Costa Rican Institute of Technology.
According to Bounce Imaging CEO Francisco Aguilar MBA ’12, the software’s algorithms vastly reduce computational load and work around noise and other image-quality problems. Because of this, it can stitch multiple images in a fraction of a second, compared with about one minute through other methods.
In fact, after the Explorer’s release, Aguilar says Bounce Imaging may option its image-stitching technology for drones, video games, movies, or smartphone technologies.
Initially, the product was mostly aimed at first responders (rescuers, firemen and police forces), the company is now focusing on the law-enforcement market but will be looking to expand its product line to broader markets. The corresponding app is as straight forward and simple as would any emergency situation require, you get a panoramic picture at the push of a button, which you can navigate through by simply swiping your smartphone’s screen.
The black tactical model comes with near-infrared LEDs (850nm) to discreetly illuminate the space for the cameras, without the high-intensity strobes typical of white light flashes. Additional sensors for radiation, temperature, and carbon monoxide are all on the company’s roadmap.
“It basically gives a quick assessment of a dangerous situation,” says Aguilar.
For the first manufacturing run, the startup aims to gather feedback from police, who operate in what Aguilar calls a “reputation-heavy market.” “You want to make sure you deliver well for your first customer, so they recommend you to others,” he said.
Add on products on the company’s website include a high-strength nylon rope with tripod thread to attach to Explorer for search & rescue and other retrieval, and a rugged pole attachment for attics and confined spaces.
Visit Bounce Imaging at https://bounceimaging.com/
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