PI 450i G7

The PI 450i G7 is a high-performance infrared camera built for both researchers and process engineers. It supports remote temperature measurement for research and process control, offering a mid-level resolution and image quality as standard. The thermal camera measures temperatures from 150°C to 900°C and can be calibrated for readings up to 1500°C. It uses a 382 x 288 uncooled microbolometer detector to produce thermal images. The Precision Line from Optris is known for its accurate measurements and clear images.

For accurate temperature measurement, the emissivity of glass is a key factor. It depends on various influences and must be considered according to the application. The special G7 spectral range of 7.9 µm aligns with the glass material’s highest emissivity, facilitating non-contact temperature measurement by minimizing the spectral region of reflectivity and transmissivity. In addition to reduced reflection issues, another advantage is the decreased angle dependency of glass surface emissivity within this wavelength range. As a result, surface temperature can be measured independently of reflection, even at inclined viewing angles.

With a 17 µm pixel pitch, the thermal camera can measure small areas with just 3 x 3 pixels. High-quality, larger optics provide clear images with little distortion and even brightness. Users can choose from various interchangeable lenses to get the best view and most accurate measurements for their needs.

The thermal camera captures images at up to 80 frames per second, making it well-suited for fast-moving production environments. Its quick response helps reduce motion blur and ensures accurate temperature readings, even when objects are moving.

The PI 450i G7 works with Optris PIX Connect software, available as a free download, with updates provided on a no-charge basis. The PIX Connect package includes the ability to seek hot spot and cold spot locations, histograms, temperature profiling, image subtraction, and other thermal image processing tools. For researchers and process engineers, the PC-based PIX Connect platform offers a powerful thermal image processing capability that allows users to extract and document fully calibrated temperature measurements from any pixel in the scene. Time vs. temperature data can be extracted from live or recorded thermal video files with stored temperature data. The infrared camera offers versatile data collection capabilities, allowing engineers to capture the highest, lowest, and average temperatures from areas of any size or shape and complex alarm signals. Moreover, engineers can replay stored thermal video frames by frame, enabling the capture and storage of radiometric images. This feature also allows triggering snapshots during temperature fluctuations, ensuring comprehensive analysis and documentation of thermal data.

The PI 450i G7 introduces a new approach to line scanning for the glass industry. Its line scan feature in the PIX Connect software lets users measure temperatures along production lines with precision. This tool turns the camera’s images into a continuous display of temperature changes along a single line, making real-time monitoring easier. Traditional line scanners use a point detector and a rotating mirror, which makes them bulky, costly, and harder to set up.

Using the thermal camera as a line scanner means you can pick any line from the detector array. This method is more compact and affordable. You can set the line’s position and size through software, giving you flexibility during setup. You also get a full infrared image for extra context. These features help during system setup and optimization. The camera can measure surface temperatures of moving objects through small openings, which is important in the glass industry, where temperature affects quality. Temperatures are tracked at several points and sent to the process control system. In this mode, the camera replaces bulky mechanical line scanning cameras and needs much less space for installation. Its compact size and advanced features make setup and use easier, while still matching or exceeding the performance of older systems. This change improves efficiency and makes infrared imaging more practical for many uses.

The small PI 450i G7 camera head was designed to move easily from the lab bench to small spaces on the factory floor. Its high ambient temperature rating of up to 80°C indicates durability in challenging conditions, making it suitable for industrial environments.

A comprehensive range of accessories is available to equip the camera for data collection and temperature regulation in even the most challenging process environments. Water-cooled enclosures, capable of safeguarding the camera in ambient temperatures as high as 315°C, are provided, complete with mounting provisions for the Industrial Process Interface mentioned below. Additionally, the factory designs and tests air purging accessories to ensure optimal performance by keeping the optics clear of the attenuating effects of factory dust or vapors. For outdoor mounting locations, thermal imager outdoor enclosures with integrated heating are available, enabling seamless integration of the PI 450i G7 thermal imager in outdoor settings.

The PI 450i G7 infrared camera and PIX Connect software platform were meticulously crafted to seamlessly facilitate the transmission of temperature data from the camera to external PLCs or control interfaces. With the Industrial Process Interface accessory, temperature or alarm data from specific areas can be conveyed to an external PLC via current or relay outputs. Moreover, external triggering functionality enables users to capture a single image or live video sequence when predetermined temperature thresholds are met, ensuring precise monitoring and control of critical processes.

The PI 450i G7 infrared camera is designed and manufactured in Germany and offers calibration certificates for customers who need to document traceability.

Thermography software optris PIX Connect is included and license-free.All infrared cameras are delivered with the thermography software optris PIX Connect, developed specifically for the extensive documentation and analysis of thermal images. The Windows-based PIX Connect software enables users to tailor the infrared cameras to meet specific requirements. It analyses live and recorded temperature data and triggers alarm signals for process integration. The key to leveraging the Optris infrared camera is a correct configuration. This includes detailed device-specific configurations such as frame rate, measurement range adjustments, external communication settings, and USB/Ethernet configurations. Moreover, PIX Connect facilitates firmware updates and the download of configuration files over the Internet. PIX Connect Optris offers several different SDKs for our Xi and PI thermal imaging cameras. Depending on the operating platform, the infrared camera, the coding language, and the hardware platform, different software interfaces can be utilized: SDK The Optris IRmobile allows users to set up and commission an Optris infrared pyrometer or infrared camera with an Android smartphone or tablet. This tool becomes handy for commissioning and aligning the infrared camera’s field of view or adjusting the configuration. The app analyzes the connected infrared camera‘s live infrared image stream with auto hot and cold spot detection. For pyrometers, a temperature-time diagram or the video signal is displayed. This app works on most Android devices running 5.0+ with a USB port supporting USB-OTG (On The Go). Google Play

Why should I measure glass with a G7 infrared camera?

Accurate temperature measurement relies significantly on the emissivity of glass, a crucial determinant affected by multiple factors and tailored to specific applications. The narrowband G7 spectral range, peaking at 7.9 µm, aligns with the highest emissivity of glass, facilitating remote temperature measurement by minimizing issues related to reflectivity and transmissivity. Additionally, within this wavelength range, the angle dependency of glass surface emissivity is reduced, enabling temperature measurement irrespective of reflection, even at inclined viewing angles.

How do I align the thermal camera?

The PI 640i G7 infrared camera offers a sighting mode in which an infrared image is shown, but no temperature values are measured.

Can the PI 450i G7 be calibrated with more than one lens?

Six different lens options are available for the PI 450i G7; each can replace the optic installed on the camera. Each optic attenuates infrared signals in varying degrees and needs to be calibrated with the camera to deliver accurate temperature measurements, so it is best to anticipate future optic requirements and include these in the initial camera order.

Can I purchase another later if I do not order more than one infrared lens with my first PI 450i G7 infrared camera?

Yes. Optris frequently performs post-purchase IR lens calibrations, but you will need to return your camera to Optris so the attenuating effects of the new lens can be properly accounted for during the calibration process.

How do I load different calibration files if I change optics?

Calibration files for every optic combination for your PI640i are available on Optris servers and loaded onto your PC when connected to the internet to initiate the load process. Additionally, a USB drive with the software and the calibration files comes with the infrared camera.

Is the PI 450i G7 export-controlled?

The PI 450i G7’s high resolution qualifies it for export control in the EU and US markets. Check with local compliance authorities for procedures to manage exports outside the U.S. or European markets.

Can I use the PI 450i G7 to measure metal temperatures?

Most metal targets have low emissivity and tend to reflect heat temperatures from any area incident upon the target. IR cameras with long-wave detectors like the PI 450i G7 are particularly vulnerable to this low emissivity effect. For this reason, it is best to use a short-wavelength camera like the Optris PI 1M (link here) when measuring metal targets unless it is possible to coat or paint the metal part to improve surface emissivity. Emissivity can also be improved on metal surfaces when rough textured or when there are holes or crevices where measurements can be made inside the cavity.

Where is the PI 450i G7 made, and does it contain memory components sourced from outside the U.S. or the European Union?

The PI 450i G7 is designed, manufactured, and calibrated in Berlin, Germany. Some electronic components may be sourced from outside the EU or the US. Still, it is important to note that the PI 450i G7 does not store any thermal images or temperature values in non-volatile memory. The PI 450i G7 only stores full thermal images, thermal video (.ravi files), and temperature values in the customer PC hosting the PIX Connect software necessary to operate the camera. The camera uses memory components inside the camera electronics, which may be sourced outside the EU or the US to store a reference picture (also called dark picture) of the non-uniformity correction paddle or flag and some reference temperatures used to correct temperature drift. All these memory elements are deleted when the power to the camera head is terminated.

Does the PI 450i G7 have any Wi-Fi or other communication capabilities?

The PI 450i G7 has no electronic components that enable external communication.

Can the PI 450i G7 operate without a connection to a computer?

The PI 450i G7 must be connected to a PC loaded with Optris PIX Connect software to produce thermal images and remote temperature measurements. By eliminating processing in the camera head and leveraging PC processing power, the thermal camera head size can be reduced, and the ambient operating temperature can be increased. Autonomous operation (without the use of a PC) is supported in Optris Xi-series infrared cameras.

Can the PI 450i G7 send temperature information from spots or areas to my PLC?

The PI 450i G7 thermal camera can send temperature information or temperature alarms from the Process Interface connection on the back of the camera. A cable with integrated electronics and a terminal block is included with the thermal camera. It can be programmed in PIX Connect software as an Analog Input (AI) and Digital Input (DI) to control the thermal camera or as an Analog Output (AO) to control the process. The signal level is always 0-10 V (DI = 24 V). An optional industrial process interface is also available, delivering up to three independent temperature values or alarms to a user-supplied PLC. USB-RS485 adapters are available for applications with output requirements for more than three areas.

What is the bit depth of our camera?

The bit depth of our cameras is 14 bit. The data has 16 bit but only 14 bit are used for the Temperature Data and the other 2 bits are not used.

What are the associated part numbers for this product?

OPTPI45IG7O18T150, OPTPI45IG7O29T150, OPTPI45IG7O53T150, OPTPI45IG7O80T150, MEPPI45IG7O18T150, MEPPI45IG7O29T150, MEPPI45IG7O53T150, MEPPI45IG7O80T150

I have a PI 640i and would like to connect it with the USB cable. What do I do if I’m not receiving a signal in the software?

• Check in the WINDOWS device manager that the USB driver was recognized correctly
• Go to Settings/Camera or via search and type in „camera“ and then activate the button “allow apps to access your camera”. Due to an Windows Update this could happen.
• If you have a black screen on PIXConnect software, this could be because of the bad performance of your graphic chip and hardware acceleration. Regarding this case, reduce the screen resolution of the monitor.
• Check the USB cable and the connector pins on camera and PC side
• Try another USB port of the PC or another PC (if available) to check that the USB cable has no issue
• Maybe the USB power supply of the camera supporting PC is too low
• Using a too long USB cable / a not provided USB cable by Optris or an USB extension cable could be the reason that the software PIXConnect does not get any signal
• Use a PC where you have administrative rights or check with your local administrator

I’m using the SDK to run SimpleViewer on Linux and have PI Connect installed on Windows. After performing calibration, the thermal image appears entirely black and displays an incorrect temperature reading of 257°F. Which setup or calibration steps could I have overlooked to make this work correctly?

• Regaring the black display in the software PIXConnect , this could be caused by a bad performance of your graphic chip e.g. the hardware acceleration. Reduce the screen resolution of your monitor or if possible reduce the hardware acceleration
• Set the Optimization to “Performance” and remove the hook from “High Speed temperature calculation”

Does the PI 640i support external triggering? Specifically, can I connect a relay output or a controller’s digital output to trigger image acquisition on the camera?

• Yes , the PI 640i camera supports via the software PIXConnect external triggering to record an image.
• You can use an analog input or a digital input signal via the Process Interface (PIF) to trigger the camera.
• In the configuration menu, PIF setting menu , you can set the voltage signal for the analog signal to trigger the camera or you can set the edges conditions for the digital signal to trigger the camera.
• Another possibility to trigger a snapshot via a controller’s digital output is to use the serial communication (if available at the PLC) . For this you can use the command list of the serial communication to send the command to take a snapshot.

Which Optris infrared camera is best for measuring temperatures during welding processes?

• The choose of the correct Optris infrared camera depends on the temperature range and the type of the welding process.
• For plastic welding , a PI/Xi LT camera can be used (8-14 µm)
• For metal (e.g. steel applications) a short wavelength camera PI 1M/08M/05M , Xi 1M , Xi05M should be used (0.85-1.1 µm , 780-820 µm , 500-540 µm)
• For laser welding applications Optris provides IR cameras with a blocking filter.

What is the bit depth of our camera?

The bit depth of our cameras is 14 bit. The data has 16 bit but only 14 bit are used for the Temperature Data and the other 2 bits are not used

Can we send the raw ADU data from the camera to another commercial software for processing?

As a rule, we do not disclose any information about raw data. The only option is to use the Connect SDK to output the camera’s ADU values as a matrix. However, these ADU values are uninterpreted. The cameras can send the temperature information and the color information to another commercial software for processing.

Does changing the mode from Temperature to ADU in the Connect SDK change the way that the image is displayed?

No, the way the image is displayed does not Change. You can see this in the software examples provided with the PIX Connect software (See the menu HELP => Connect SDK => Examples). Under the configuration menu => External communication => ConnectSDK. you can change the mode from “Temperatures” to “ADU”. This has no influence on the displayed image.

Our company designs and supplies camera systems for steelmaking processes and is exploring different camera types. For this application, would you recommend long-range, near-infrared, or short-wave infrared models?

For steelmaking processes we recommend short-wave infrared cameras as the PI 1M camera, PI 08M camera, PI05M camera , Xi1M camera or Xi 05M camera. Use the lowest wavelength / spectral range as possible!

The stated accuracy in that range for the PI 640i LT is +-2 C, but I was wondering if the accuracy could be further improved with surface emissivity information or calibrated to +-1 C or better.

No, the actual temperature accuracy could not be further improved by information on surface emissivity. This is for the PI640i camera ±2 °C or ±2 %. However, accurate surface information regarding the emissivity is necessary in order to measure the correct temperature based on the reflection ratio on the surface to be measured. An incorrectly set emissivity results in a temperature deviation.

Is your infrared camera long-wave (LWIR) or short-wave (SWIR/MWIR)? What’s the typical frame rate? What’s the IFOV (instantaneous field of view / pixel size)? And does it connect to a PC via USB, or what other platforms/interfaces are supported (e.g., Ethernet, etc.)?

Optris provides different types of IR cameras with different wavelengths. Here you can find an overview of the different camera types regarding the spectral ranges, the typical frame rates and the interface versions (USB or Ethernet (ETH)):

Long-wave (LWIR) cameras (spectral range 8-14 µm):

• PI400i LT (80Hz, switchable to 27 Hz)
• PI450i LT (80Hz, switchable to 27 Hz)
• PI640i LT (32 Hz, 640×120 px @ 125 Hz)
• Xi80 LT ETH (50 Hz)
• Xi400 LT USB (80Hz, switchable to 27 Hz)
• Xi410 LT ETH (25 Hz connected via Ethernet, 4 Hz connected via USB)
• Xi640 LT USB (32 Hz)

Long-wave (LWIR) cameras (spectral range 7.9 µm):

• PI450iG7 (80Hz, switchable to 27 Hz)
• PI640iG7 (32 Hz, 640×120 px @ 125 Hz)

Middle-wave (MWIR) cameras (spectral range 3.9 µm):

• Xi320MT (30 Hz)

Short-wave (SWIR) cameras:

• PI1M (0.85–1.1 µm), 32 Hz (382×268 px @ 80 Hz, switchable to 27 Hz / 72×56 px / 764×8 px @ 1 kHz)
• PI08M (780–820 nm), 32 Hz (382×268 px @ 80 Hz, switchable to 27 Hz / 72×56 px / 764×8 px @ 1 kHz)
• PI05M (500–540 nm), 764×480 px @ 32 Hz / 382×288 px @ 80 Hz (switchable to 27 Hz) / 72×56 px / 764×8 px @ 1 kHz
• Xi1M ETH (0.85–1.1 µm), 396×300 px, 20 Hz, 396×8 px (autonomous: 396×1 px), 500 Hz, Ethernet, USB 2.0 (20 Hz only), autonomous operation
• Xi05M ETH (500–540 nm), 396×300 px, 20 Hz, 396×8 px (autonomous: 396×1 px), 500 Hz, Ethernet, USB 2.0 (20 Hz only), autonomous operation

The following digital interface kits are available for the Xi 80 / 410 / 05M / 08M cameras:

• Ethernet TCP/IP / Modbus TCP interface kit
• EtherNet/IP interface kit
• Profinet kit

• Infrared Camera PI 450i G7
• USB cable (1m)
• Cable for output/input (1 m) incl. terminal block
• Tripod
• Rugged outdoor transport case (IP67)
• Software package optris PIX Connect