Amimon demonstrates drone-based inspection with Connex-enabled, real-time HD video link

AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2016, NEW ORLEANS, 3 May 2016. Amimon, a developer of zero-latency wireless, high-definition (HD) video transmission technology, is demonstrating its CONNEX real-time drone vision system at Xponential event hosted by the Association of Unmanned Vehicles Systems International (AUSVI) this week in New Orleans.

The CONNEX system enables users to perform efficient single flight inspections, as well as provides an integrated infrared capability for enhanced viewing clarity in all conditions.

Connex HD downlink technology streamlines the inspection of bridges, dams, electrical utilities, cell towers, wind turbines, construction sites, and other hard to reach or sprawling infrastructure and facilities. The high-quality video transmission lowers costs and reduces risk for personnel, eliminating the need for multiple flights or sending technicians into dangerous areas, company officials say.

Amimon also is showing an integrated thermal imaging system from Workswell. The compact Wiris 640 includes a thermal camera, a digital camera, and a control unit, and is easily connected to the Connex system for even more viewing clarity in real time. The system provides full remote control and allows the inspector to view and store fully radiometric image data (images and video). With the system, inspections can be performed day or night, and in fog, thick smoke, and partly through vegetation.

“The current drone inspection process is both tedious and often limited by conditions. Typically, it can involve several flights to record on an SD card and then download and analyze, on the ground, the images captured, and re-inspect in more detail the problem areas. Environmental challenges such as light or weather add further challenges. With Connex, inspectors get real time, HD views of the survey area and can zoom in to find problems much faster and without having to land the drone. And, by adding an infrared camera feature, inspections can be done more accurately regardless of the flying conditions,” says David Shefler, vice president of worldwide sales at Connex. “This type of efficiency saves valuable resources and enables quicker resolution of time-sensitive issues, such as power outages or critical damage.”

CONNEX features a wireless HD link, based on its uncompressed technology. It delivers 1080p 60fps uncompressed HD video with zero delay to technicians who can perform inspections and direct the survey in real time. The solution consists of a transmitter unit, which mounts on the drone itself, and a receiver unit, which may be mounted on the drone remote control. It delivers a range of up to 3,300 feet (1000m), AES 128 encryption for secure transmission, and multicast reception for up to four receivers. CONNEX also provides telemetry and control solutions for S-bus, CANBUS, and PPM drone controllers, and features an HDMI video interface on the receiver.

Wireless HD video connectivity is creating a revolution in content creation and consumption. Amimon, a market leader in zero latency wireless HD video, has invented exclusive technology to harness the power of mobile cameras and fixed video sources, to bring HD content to remote display screens or distribution switches. Amimon’s systems utilize its core technology to deliver convenience and flexibility to create, transmit and view content on remote devices with the highest image quality.

AMIMON is headquartered in San Jose, California, with offices in Herzlia, Israel; Tokyo, Japan; and Taipei, Taiwan.