Electromagnetic Compatibility

Night Vision Systems

Basic Description

Night vision systems use infra-red image sensors to detect and image objects that are difficult to see in the absence of sufficient visible light. Passive systems use thermal cameras to image objects based on their natural infrared radiation, which is related to their temperature. Active systems use infrared light sources to illuminate objects in front of a vehicle and infrared sensors to record the image.

Automotive Night Vision Demonstration: AuE893 Class Project by Fan Zeng

Sensors
Infrared image sensor
Actuators
Image display (usually on dashboard or projected on windshield).
Data Communications
Typically, closed-circuit systems that do not use standard automotive data communications networks.
Manufacturers
Bosch, Continental, Delphi, Flir
For More Information
[1] Night Vision Systems for Cars, Physorg.com, Sep. 16, 2005.
[2] Safer Driving in the Dead of Night, IEEE Spectrum, March 2006.
[3] Automotive Night Vision Enhanced by Near-Infrared Technology, Photonics.com, Oct. 2005.
[4] ABI: Automotive Night Vision Has Potential to Become Mainstream Application, IHS News, Feb. 2007..
[5] BMW Night Vision, YouTube.com, May 2006.
[6] Mercedes Benz Night Vision, YouTube.com, Mar. 2007.