Obzerv Technologies Inc. designs, produces, and markets products based on active imaging technologies. The company's scientific roots go back to defense and optics research projects in the 1990s.

DREV Active Imaging
In 1990, Defense Research Establishment Valcartier (DREV), now RDDC (Research & Development Defense Canada), led the first efforts in active imaging research in Canada. Two projects generated much interest. One was LUCIE, which developed and tested the first active underwater mine detection camera. The other project was ALBEDOS, centered on the development and testing of an active Airborne Laser Based Enhanced Detection and Observation System for search and rescue operations.

INO Laser Diode Array

In the mean time, the National Optics Institute (INO) in Quebec City, Canada, embarked on the development of a high power laser diode array called DALIS™ (Diode Array Laser Illumination System). DALIS™ was designed to be marketed as a replacement for conventional lasers. In 1994, the first unit was delivered to DREV for the ALBEDOS project. Since then, INO has been recognized as the world's best laser diode array source designer and manufacturer for illumination purposes.

DALIS™ Laser

Night Vision Goes the Distance
In 1996, encouraging DALIS™ results in the DREV program prompted INO researchers to start work on ground-based active imaging applications. Researchers felt that active imaging technology could address surveillance needs unmet by conventional technologies like thermal imagers and passive intensified cameras.

Team efforts culminated in the 2001 unveiling of the ATV-2000i prototype at the MILIPOL exhibition in Paris . This system can be used to observe a vehicle more than 10 km away and discreetly read a license plate from up to 2 km in the dead of night.

ATV-2000i System

Spin-Off: Obzerv
With the commercial potential of the ATV-2000i in sight, Obzerv was formed to take over the development and commercialization of active imaging products based on DALIS™ technology.

Obzerv Funding

In September 2003, Obzerv secured CDN $7 million in private financing from Extreme CCTV, a leading supplier of active infrared night vision devices. Through this financing, Obzerv is pursuing growth by substantially increasing product offerings and production capabilities while maintaining high standards of quality.


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