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How In-dash Night-vision Systems

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by Josh Briggs

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Car Night Vision

Systems

As you might imagine, the two

auto moguls get from point A to
point B in entirely separate ways.
Mercedes-Benz uses an active
system or near-IR system that
illuminates the night with
projected infrared light, much like
optics found in military-issue
night-vision goggles. BMW's
passive system, on the other
hand, uses far-IR or FIR
technology in its onboard night-
vision systems.
The Mercedes-Benz Night View Assist system is an example
of near-infrared (NIR) technology.
Mercedes-Benz USA Unlike night-vision optics used for
military applications, BMW's
system registers images based on
body heat and produces images that resemble a photo negative. While that works well for deciphering
between animals and people, it doesn't do much for revealing a dead animal in the middle of the road or
perhaps a large rock or a fallen tree. BMW's infrared system uses complementary metal oxide
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semiconductor (CMOS)-based sensors on the front of the car that pick up heat from objects and
processes the thermal signature to display images on a quarter video graphics array (QVGA) display MOST POPULAR MOST WATCHED
(320x240-pixel resolution) mounted on the dash in the center of the vehicle's console. In a nutshell, the
BMW's system picks up the heat of the animal or pedestrian and displays it as a bright image. The
warmer the target, the brighter the image displays. It has a range of around 980 feet (299 meters) and
can pan in the direction the vehicle is heading. The FIR night vision system illuminates what's directly in
front of the vehicle reasonably well, but doesn't offer the clarity found in the Mercedes system.
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In contrast, the Mercedes system uses NIR technology and produces an even, clear picture in the dark. Photography
This system is similar to night-vision goggles soldiers use. Like the military-issued night-vision goggles, Terms
the NIR system in the Mercedes illuminates everything as if it were in the high beams of the vehicle. By
utilizing a series of projection bulbs and cameras, the Mercedes' active night-vision system picks up the
faintest traces of light and transforms it into a clear picture. The advantage is that the Mercedes system
can see warmer living things just as clear as it can spot colder, dead animals or non-living objects. The Fact or Fiction:
drawback to the Mercedes system is its range: The system has a maximum effective range of less than Apple
600 feet (183 meters). Another drawback is the Mercedes' NIR system doesn't handle fog well, while the
BMW's FIR system can see through the dense conditions. But unlike the BMW's system, the Mercedes
monitor is located behind the steering wheel, directly in the driver's line of sight to the road, and the
image quality is also crisper on the NIR system.
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Both systems can be turned on or off by the driver with controls found near the high-beam lever and
Phones
neither system is affected by oncoming bright lights. Both are easy on the eyes too, so sensitivity to light

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/in-dash-night-vision-system3.htm[07/05/2013 12:26:29]
HowStuffWorks "Car Night Vision Systems"

should not be a problem for most drivers. Researchers from the two companies are also in the process of
perfecting warning indicators on the night-vision systems. The challenge is to be able to decipher what's
a hazard and what's merely a heat signature. The goal is for the systems to be able to set off an alarm
when a pedestrian or animal is close enough to the road to be hazardous.
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Both systems cost an extra $2,000 to $2,500. While that may sound like a significant amount of money,
when you look at the price tag of a 7-Series BMW or S-Class Mercedes, two vehicles that can easily top
$100,000, it somehow seems a bit more reasonable -- especially when you consider the benefit of being
able to see through the darkness. Top 5 Scary
Modern
You can read more about light, night vision and other related topics on the next page. Technologies
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http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/in-dash-night-vision-system3.htm[07/05/2013 12:26:29]
HowStuffWorks "Car Night Vision Systems"

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Ofer David
You are missing a new version of automotive night vision - Gated imaging. look at Brightwayvision.com.
it is considered the best.
Reply · 1 · Like Like · March 30, 2012 at 6:09am

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http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/in-dash-night-vision-system3.htm[07/05/2013 12:26:29]