5 Micro FPV Camera Applications for Security & Defense

The FPV (first-person view) camera allows its user to see remotely controlled operations. It is thus used in remotely-controlled vehicles or crafts, applied in many fields, but heavily used in applications for security and defense. The benefits of using such technology range from security, through affordability, and to manpower consideration. The benefits are surveyed here, and only some of the reasons why FPV cameras have been growing in popularity for the past few years, and our reliance on them continues to expand.

What is an FPV Micro Camera for?

When piloting an FPV vehicle, the tester can actually visualize the terrain as if they were physically inside the cockpit. This allows for more situational awareness, sharper detection, and yes, a safer examination process. Should the pilot fail, the only risk is the technology itself and not precious human lives.

The FPV camera offers real-time visuals using a video transmitter. However, the use of a micro FPV camera versus a standard size one allows for the development of more refined technology. It also allows for the creation of customized and adjustable surveillance equipment, unlimited by its size and applications. In short, an FPV micro camera opens possibilities for operation-focused tools that are not only unrestricted by the visualization technology, but are actually elevated thanks to its flexibility.

Who uses Micro FPV Cameras?

Scientists use FPV cameras to gather information on objects which are difficult to access. This is mostly true for environments that are either too complicated to explore or are otherwise dangerous, like in the study of volcanoes or polluted environments. That is why Odysight.ai®’s core technology is highly resistant to most extreme environments such as extreme temperatures and radiation.

These benefits are naturally applicable to military requirements. In the military, FPV cameras can deliver real-time information for recon, surveillance, or battle, allowing for better and safer intel on enemy location and activity. They can serve as a complementary form of patrolling perimeters, whether they are the borders of a country or the fence of a smaller secure site.

5 Examples in Which FPV Micro Cameras Have Been Used:

As the FPV micro camera technology relies on “building blocks” and can therefore be customized to a great number of purposes, the options are innumerable. Here are some of the ways in which the micro cam has already been applied in the field of military security and defense.
● FPV drones are used in anti-terror operations to detect, track, and destroy targets like small vehicles in remote areas.
● In combat, personal mini and nano drone cameras are used to allow soldiers the ability to safely scan an area just outside their line of sight – around the corner of a building, inside a room, over a wall.
● Mini drones have been used worldwide during riots and for border control, as an aid in countering infiltration attempts and getting closeup and panoramic views of the movements of chaotic masses and individuals from a safe distance.
● In smaller-scale security situations, like the guarding of a facility, mini and nano FPV drones are an effective way of detecting, tracking, and documenting intrusion for faster apprehension.
● The same technologies have also been useful in imposing lockdowns and ensuring enforcement in Europe and Asia during the COVID pandemic.

Advantages of Customized Micro FPV Camera Solutions for Security and Defense

FPV vehicles are adaptable and can serve in extremely humid, dry, or cold environments, as well as in relatively dark ones. They significantly increase the natural human field of vision. The micro cameras amplify the effectiveness and technological horizons that military devices are able to reach. The technology can be customized for a specific military requirement or a unit within a military with its particular working conditions and goals, like stealth, urban combat, extreme weather, etc. They can likewise be made to serve the needs of a particular facility with its specific topography and environment. Of course, using mini FPV vehicles is more affordable than using larger unmanned vehicles, let alone manned vehicles with the additional danger of loss of life.

Trends and Innovations in 2021

The most important trends include the camera sizes, image quality, and display design. Both cameras and vehicles are becoming increasingly small and capable of delivering serviceable visuals using the cheaper and more prevalent CMOS sensors, such as those that Odysight.ai employs. The most cutting-edge developments are nano-sized vehicles, like the US Black Hornet military drone, which can be carried in the pocket of a utility belt.

In science, the use of mini and nano drones is still in its infancy, with path-breaking initiatives coming from enterprising individuals, for research confined to limited areas like the mouth of a volcano. Cinema is probing the use of drones for novel action-packed cinematic effects, but Hollywood-level HD cameras still require relatively bulky drones.

Field of vision is an important factor in image quality and determines whether your view is narrow, but deep and less distorted, or wide, but shallow and curved. Most pilots need to choose what works best for them, but some developers are now offering products equipped with multiple cameras.
Whatever the use, drone users can choose between goggles and an integrated OSD, (On-Screen-Display) both of which are developing quickly. The use of goggles provides more immersion, but obstructs the natural field of view. An OSD, on the other hand, leaves the user free to look up and around, and to do so while walking, which is important in combat situations.
With the advancements and new applications of micro FPV cameras, the world can soon see more groundbreaking and life-saving security & defense technologies.