Directed Perception Pan-tilt Enables Military to See Farther, Protect Forces

Rugged outdoor unit packs precision, power and speed in small footprint

BURLINGAME, California. August 21, 2006 --[ASDWire.com]-- Directed Perception, Inc. today announced the world-wide availability of its PTU-D300 family of computer controlled pan-tilt units. The PTU-D300 is designed to provide systems integrators and OEMs a complete positioning solution for IR and Thermal Cameras, antennas, video cameras, and other sensors. The PTU-D300 is 10-times more accurate than available alternatives for computer-controlled positioning of large payloads, offering 0.00643 degree resolution, and is well suited for long-range surveillance applications where smooth, rigid performance is required. The extremely rugged all-in-one design is compact and has flexible mounting options and is designed for fixed and mobile applications. Built-in dynamic control capabilities include on-the-fly speed and position command changes at over 60Hz supporting a wide range of applications including real-time tracking. An available software API supports integration with custom applications. Geo-pointing and stabilizations options are available. Here is what customers and opinion leaders are saying:

“Modern perimeter security and intrusion detection systems such as our BLAST system rely on smart use of multiple sensors and real-time intelligence. The PTU-D300 provides the high-performance and accurate positioning capabilities needed by these kinds of systems”. -- Ed Vergara - Program Manager, SAIC

“The Current Corporation has extensive experience with shipboard, and coastal marine surveillance systems. The PTU-D300 offers the features and capabilities necessary to perform well in these demanding environments.”
-- Doug Houghton, President, The Current Corporation

Speeds time-to-market for complex camera systems
The integrated design of the PTU-D300 provides a complete turn-key positioning solution for fast, accurate, dynamic, computer-controlled positioning of camera/sensor position through a wide range of motion. Sensor and communications systems designers and integrators can save months of product development time by using the PTU-D300 as a complete, drop-in camera/sensor positioning solution. Remote control of the PTU-D300 is provided through RS-232 or RS-485 serial interfaces with multiple software options.
Payloads to 70 Lbs.

The patent-pending mechanical design provides rigid, stable, payload positioning with very good dynamics. Specific performance features include:

• Payload capacities of 70 Lbs (side mount) and 35 Lbs (top mount)
• Fully controllable pan and tilt speeds ranging from below 0.00643 °/second to over 50 °/second
• +/- 0.00643° positioning accuracy in both pan and tilt axes
• 360° continuous pan option
  
  

The PTU-D300 includes a fully-integrated controller with digital commands for fine-grained control of speed, acceleration, position limits, and power modes. Unit can be commanded in terms of either position or velocity. The unit allows on-the-fly command changes to support dynamic tracking applications. Both RS-232 and RS-485 interfaces are available, with other network interfaces on request. Control software interfaces available include a LabView driver and a C source-code API for use with embedded or desktop CPUs.

The PTU-D300 is constructed of anodized machined high-grade aluminum and provides a sleek, integrated package with flexible payload and pan-tilt mounting options. Packaging features include:

• Rugged all-weather design (IP67) with wide-range operating temperature (-30° to +50° C)
• 100% duty cycle or 3-5 million cycles
• Single 9-30VDC power input
• Single mil-style connector for all signals and power. Pass through of payload signals including Power, Video, and serial control. Options for Microwave signals available.
• Compact size (11.6” x 5.5” x 9” not including payload bracket)
• Marinized option

Designed for easy customization
The PTU-D300 has a number of design features to support rapid customization to meet specific OEM requirements. Customization options include changes in: payload connectors/cabling, mounting brackets, slip-rings, encoders, and network interfaces.

Price and Availability
The PTU-D300 is available now. Pricing is $9800 (Qty 1 – standard configuration).

About Directed Perception, Inc.
Directed Perception is a leading manufacturer of innovative devices and software for the intelligent control of sensors and sensor processing including video cameras, IR sensors, laser rangers, microwave antennas, thermo-imaging sensors, and more. The Company’s products are designed with precision, ruggedness, and low-cost to support demanding applications, such as tracking, in a broad range of OEM and end-user markets. Directed Perception's flagship miniature computer-controlled pan-tilt tracking mount was one of the first of its kind and has been sold to OEMs and end-users world-wide since 1992. The Company's patented products have been used by over 900 customers in hundreds of application areas in Security & Surveillance, Industrial Automation, Robotics, Communications, Military/Aerospace, Law Enforcement, Education, R&D, Webcams, and Teleconferencing/distance learning.
Directed Perception customers include industry-leading companies worldwide in aerospace, defense, security & surveillance, robotics and industrial automation. Directed Perception sells its products direct and through distributors and partners worldwide.
Directed Perception is privately held and headquartered in Burlingame, in Northern California.