General
The METS, incorporating CI’s reflective collimating optics, extended area blackbody and a motorized target wheel, is a collimator-based test bench that provides fast and reliable testing for repeatable and objective results.
The METS is being used in the manufacturing and service process of electro-optic viewers in the visible and infrared wave bands.
Purpose
The purpose of a METS system is to allow indoor testing of long-range cameras without the need to position them in front of a far scenery. This is done by a collimating optical arrangement that project targets as if they appear in infinity.
As seen in the image bellow, the METS is placed on an optical table, in front of it the camera-unit under test (UUT) is positioned such it is looking in the collimator optical path. The image acquired by the UUT is displayed on a monitor and viewed by the user.
 | METS |
Camera- UUT | |
Monitor |
Radiant sources
The targets projected are illuminated with two types of optional radiant sources:
- IR source- black body- used for thermal cameras.
- Visible source- Halogen lamp, backlight or integration sphere. Used for surveillance day cameras.
Figure 1 Example of an Integrating sphere
Figure 2 Example for a Black body
Optional targets
The different parameters that are tested require different specific target positioned at the collimator focal plane. The METS system has an optional motorized target wheel with 6-12 plates for fast target projection replacement.
Parameters to be tested
The following parameters may be measured on the METS system based on the target being projected.
For day camera:
- Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)
- Gray Level (linearity)
- Uniformity
- Resolution
- Distortion
- 3-D noise
- SNR
- FOV
- IFOV
For the thermal imager:
- Minimum Resolvable Temperature Difference (MRTD)
- Minimum Detectable Temperature Deference (MDTD)
- Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD)
- Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)
- Signal Transfer Function (SiTF)
- Line of Sight retention (LOS)
- Uniformity
- Technological Innovation: Temperature measurement is performed directly within the radiation head, with data transmitted digitally to the controller. This eliminates noise and errors inherent in analog data transmission.
- NIST Standard: Every product is delivered with a calibration certificate traceable to NIST (U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology), ensuring internationally recognized accuracy.
Configurability:
- Dimensions: From compact 2-inch units to massive 40x40-inch emitting surfaces.
- Temperature Modes: Support for Absolute mode (fixed temperature) or Differential mode (temperature difference relative to ambient).
- Nitrogen Purge Option: Low-temperature (LT) models feature a nitrogen inlet to prevent condensation or frost formation on the emitting surface.
- ControlMaster Controller: A modern 19-inch rack-mount controller with a large color touchscreen display, supporting Ethernet and RS-232 communication for remote control.
Key Features:
Supports standard blackbody emitter sizes ranging from 2" to 40“. Other sizes are available upon request
Superior accuracy
High-uniformity emitting surface
Wide range of radiation temperatures
Operates in a wide range of ambient temperatures
Head and controller interchangeable
Resolution in millidegree-Kelvin
Configurable resolution and stability
Low acoustic noise
Nitrogen inlet for inert atmosphere on Low-Temperature (LT) models
Dual-head option available (one controller with two blackbodies)
Controller features:
Large color LCD display with touchscreen user interface
Ability to control up to four motorized devices
Certified to MIL-T-28800D, CE, and FCC
Compact, portable controller
19” rack-mount kit included for the ControlMaster
Communication ports: Ethernet, RS-232 (optional GPIB)
Light / Dark background option
Remote control software included
ILET (Intermediate-Level Electro-Optical Tester) family of test systems is ideally suited for performing I-level optical tests and laboratory testing.
"The ILET (Intermediate-Level Electro-Optical Tester) family of systems by S.N. Vita is ideally suited for conducting intermediate-level (I-level) optical testing and laboratory evaluations.
Portable, compact and computerized, ILET testers can be installed on a vehicle, bringing comprehensive testing of thermal imagers and visible light sensors to the field, reducing the need of D-Level facilities.
The basic ILET configuration includes a collimator, a radiation source (blackbody and/or visible light source) and a target wheel (manual or motorized).
The ILET is easy to use when interfaced with CI Systems’ CTE software (optional), minimizing testing turnaround time and maximizing testing objectivity and repeatability.
The testers retain their accuracy over a wide range of ambient temperatures. Thanks to the ILET’s outstanding features and versatility, it is useful in a variety of applications such as testing in environmental chambers, testing on production lines and testing in the field.
- Portable
- Easy to operate
- Rugged construction design per MIL-STD 810G (secured cargo)
- Tripod mountable
- All functions can be controlled via a computer using S.N. Vita CTE automatic test software (optional)
- Optional ILET models outfitted for operation in an environmental chamber
MetCam is a revolutionary safety system that combines infrared detection with advanced artificial intelligence algorithms.
MetCam is a fully integrated Quantifying Optical Gas Imaging (QOGI) device which increases site safety by continuously monitoring leaks, covering a large volume, locating and alarming on the presence of hazardous clouds.
MetCam also detects small emissions so that effective preventive maintenance operations can be conducted.
MetCam is certified for installation in hazardous locations (Zone 1, Class I Div 1)
MetCam detects Methane leaks in various Natural Gas phases (natural/liquefied/compressed), in facilities such as:
- Compression stations
- Natural Gas skids
- LNG gasification/liquefaction facilities
- LNG and CNG fueling stations
MetCam output video and alarm signals are displayed and recorded in the control room using standard ONVIF interface.
Industry standard 4-20 mA output is available on-board MetCam, providing smooth integration into existing alarm systems.
MetCam utilizes advanced algorithms for operation in demanding environments and to minimize false alarms.
MetCam is a reliable and maintenance free device, other than periodical external cleaning.
Highlights:
- 24\7\365 automatic Methane leak detection.
- Rates gas cloud threat by quantifying cloud dimensions and concentration.
- Visualizes the gas cloud and leak source on a live video.
- Industry standard 4-20 mA alarm on-board output
- Standard GigE long distance interface with control room.
- Optional WiFi interface.
- Incidence recording on internal memory.
- Withstands harsh environment, IP66 compliant.
- Self-calibrated, low maintenance cost.
- Approved for hazardous areas/explosive atmospheres, Zone 1 / Class I, Div.1
- Provides situational awareness video streaming.
- Smart switches & dimmers
- Automated lighting scenes
- Energy monitoring
- 240V commercial circuits
- Emergency lighting
- Code compliant installation