Press Release
BMW Night Vision
Thermal imaging to detect people, animals and objects
BMW Night Vision based on FIR technology is a receptive system which uses the incoming heat radiation from human beings, animals and objects as a source of image data. The system is integrated in the existing electronic environment of the vehicle on a modular basis. Only two additional hardware components are required: the camera and the control unit. The 8.8 inch monitor required for display is installed in conjunction with the navigation system Professional.
BMW Night Vision Far Infrared camera.
The thermal imaging camera is installed in the front bumper at the left in its own housing. It is protected by impact-resistant glass and a fine grid. The camera cleaner jet is activated along with the windscreen washer system and ensures a clear view at all times; at outside temperatures below + 5 degrees, the glass cover is heated.
The camera operates with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels and a range of some 300 m, the image sensor registers heat radiated from people and objects within a wave band of 8 – 14 µm. At speeds below 80 km/h, the large horizontal aperture angle of the camera of 36 degrees means that not only the road can be identified but also the areas at the side of the road and surroundings (children, wild animals).
BMW Night Vision control unit.
The control unit receives data from the camera and converts it into an image on the central monitor. Depending on outside conditions, the image is electronically brightened or darkened.
At a medium road speed, the section shown on the monitor covers an angle of 24 degrees, at the same time this section moves as the road turns – up to 6 degrees to the left or right. This so-called panning movement is controlled by the parameter “steering angle of wheels”. From a higher speed, a digital zoom can be activated which displays objects at a greater distance in
1.5 : 1 enlargement.
Display on the on-board monitor.
BMW Night Vision provides the driver with the night vision image as a contrasting black-and-white display on the central monitor in the instrument panel. Use of the Head-Up Display was considered by BMW. However, tests showed that the superimposition of real and virtual image information causes irritation and is therefore not optimum.
Basic operation using a switch, fine control with iDrive.
BMW Night Vision is switched on and off using a switch next to the light switch. An iDrive menu is used to activate panning/zoom. Also the driver has the option to select brightness, contrast and a choice between full screen/split screen monitor display.
Planned to be available in the 7 Series as of fourth quarter 2005.
BMW Night Vision is planned to be available as of fourth quarter 2005 in the BMW 7 Series. Extension to other BMW model series is planned. BMW Night Vision will also be available as a retrofit solution from the original BMW accessory range for all BMW 7 Series from the model revision.
BMW Night Vision is the beginning of a development.
As with the introductions of other innovations, there will be several stages of development with BMW Night Vision. The system is a significant improvement in the identification of critical situations when driving at night. However, it cannot provide comprehensive safety at night and does not relieve the driver of his responsibility.
A research focus for the future lies in the fact that Night Vision systems might be able to identify critical situations within the general traffic environment and warn the driver via diverse on-board display functions. Initial steps towards so-called object detection have already been taken, however performance Is not yet in line with the demands made of such a system by BMW and BMW customers. The error rate of object recognition is still too high, and this would irritate rather than relieve the driver. Only when such systems do justice to BMW requirements would they be put into serial production.
