Plug and Play Mini-Infrared Camera

This project requires the team to design and assemble a low-cost plug-and-play mini-infrared camera with a protective mechanical package. The sponsor provided the team with the FLIR Lepton IR sensor for the integration. With a resolution of 80x60 pixels, the FLIR Lepton is the world’s smallest thermal imager, but no USB interface and protective mechanical package is currently on the market. The team designed the electrical hardware, waterproof mechanical housing, and graphical user interface. Mounting holes were included in the housing to allow use with stationary and mobile devices. The camera system interfaces via USB to a Windows or Linux computer for power and user interface. The graphical user interface allows the user to capture and store snapshot images and videos. Applications for the product range from search and rescue missions to night vision for cyclists.