As technology continues to advance, thermal imaging technology is becoming increasingly important due to its wide range of applications in a variety of fields. On May 29, 2024, Himax Technologies, Inc. a leading global provider of semiconductor solutions for image display processing technology, announced a major strategic investment in Obsidian, a manufacturer of thermal imaging sensor solutions. Obsidian.
A thermal imaging sensor is a device that detects and measures the distribution of heat energy on the surface of an object and converts it into a visual image. Thermal imaging sensors are widely used in the power industry, mainly for inspection and fault detection of power equipment. They are capable of detecting the temperature distribution of power equipment and help to find thermal defects of the equipment, such as overheating, leakage, moisture and other problems. Through infrared thermal images, fault points can be quickly located to improve inspection efficiency and ensure the safety of inspectors. Thermal imaging sensors are also increasingly used in the medical field. The human body is a natural source of infrared radiation, and when ill, the body's thermal balance is disrupted. Thermal imaging sensors can accurately display and record the temperature distribution of the human body to help doctors conduct pathological analysis and provide an important basis for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Figure: Himax Optoelectronics strategically invested in thermal imaging manufacturer Obsidian (Source: Himax Technology)
In addition, thermal imaging sensors also have a wide range of applications in high-speed visual capture, infrared microscopic imaging and other fields. For example, in high-speed vision capture, thermal imaging sensors can capture dynamic scenes such as the sudden deployment of airbags; in infrared microscopic imaging, thermal imaging microscopes are able to depict the thermal properties of components and semiconductor substrates in a non-contact manner.
Through this investment partnership, Obsidian will be able to utilize the rich resources and expertise of Vision Optronics in the field of IC design to further promote product development and technological innovation. In addition, Obsidian plans to combine its thermal imaging sensors with Vision's WiseEye ultra-low-power AI processor to jointly develop more advanced thermal imaging vision solutions.
As an IC design company specializing in image display processing technology, Vision Optronics is able to provide comprehensive technology solutions including traditional driver ICs, advanced touch display integration chips (TDDI), local dimming Tcon, automotive ultra-large touch display technology (LTDI), and AMOLED display technology. These technologies are widely used in a variety of end-use fields such as cameras, camcorders, cell phones, automotive displays, LCD monitors, LED lighting, and LED displays.
The strategic investment by QinetiQ will undoubtedly bring new development opportunities for Obsidian, and will also add new momentum to QinetiQ's own expansion in the field of thermal imaging technology.
