Product Description:

This innovative camera provides unprocessed thermal imaging at a 4 mega-pixel resolution with the unique ability to penetrate fog and smoke without compromising on picture quality. In contrast to competitors, Predator’s camera captures thermal imaging details that cannot be reconstructed using enhancement techniques. In addition, its variable lens provides greater flexibility concerning range and field of view, and the camera operates at room temperature without cooling.

The current product is based on new patent pending technology. Planned improvements based on quantum dot technology will provide additional capabilities to detect chemicals at a low concentration at a distance.

Specifications:

• Detector type: patent pending hybrid polymer technology
• Detector size: unprocessed thermal resolution of 4 MP
• Display Resolution: 1280x1024 (or higher)
• Sensitivity: 0.1 degrees Celsius
• Low cost: below $1,000 ($600 with plastic lens)
• Operating Temperature range: 20C (room temperature) to 500C
• Lens Type: Interchangeable for greater flexibility in range and field of view

Image displays camera components

Markets:

• Security companies that use cameras for surveillance, both a lower end for wide consumer base and a higher end with additional capabilities.
• Camera manufacturers that desire to break into new markets
• Navigation devices for sailors – including private yachts
• Production quality control
• Medical imaging
• Automotive
• Military

Technology:

Picture the difference between starting with low resolution thermal imaging and then enhancing the image, in contrast to starting with Predator’s unprocessed mega-pixel thermal imaging.

Picture illustrates that even with post processing enhancements conventional cameras that start with lower thermal resolution (.07 MP – lower inset) cannot provide the details captured by the Predator camera which starts with a higher thermal resolution of 4 MP (higher inset).

The new patent pending hybrid approach penetrates the technological barrier of high resolution thermal imaging. It allows the camera conversion system to operate from the ultraviolet, through the visible and throughout the MID to long wavelength infrared regions (LWIR) which includes spectrum beyond current capabilities, at higher sensitivity.

The current working prototype product is based on a polymer hybrid that has sensitivity of 0.1 degrees Celsius (at 37C temperature) with 4 mega-pixel resolution. Depending on selected spectral range, it converts the selected spectral part of the incident radiation into a visible signature, which then in turn is acquired using a commercial high-resolution camera.

The quantum dot version will require additional research and design, as well as production of the quantum dot materials. This version will have the capability to detect chemicals at a distance, even in small quantities.

History/Status:

Predator Vision, LLC, is a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC), formed in December 2006, by the Vice President, Office of University Research and Enterprise Development (UR&ED) along with the technology inventor Professor Rainer Martini.

Select Accomplishments include:
Funding:Grant from the New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology; Federal funding.
Patents:Two provisional patents;
Product:Commercial ready prototype - completing optimization and testing of commercial readiness.

In addition to successfully licensing intellectual property and launching start up companies, Stevens has had successful liquidity events - the sale of two of its start ups, Hydroglobe and PlasmaSol, to major corporations.

Financing:

Predator is seeking a Series A round for a total of $3.5M. An initial investment of $1.5M for 18 months is sought, with a follow-on commitment for an additional $2M for two years.

Current investor: Stevens Institute of Technology through Castle Point Holdings

Our highest priorities are completing the current LC version for market launch including the establishment of a full marketing campaign. We are completing the market survey to determine which of the potential markets to focus on for the first launch. The quantum dot product version will begin in Year 2.

Exit Strategy:

Predator’s current exist strategy is an acquisition.

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