Infrared based driver assistance for enhanced perception at night

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Infrared based driver assistance for enhanced perception at night

Kesseler, W. / Kleinkes, M. / Locher, J. / Bierleutgeb, G.

The aim of Night Vision systems is to provide the driver with information about the traffic space not provided by a dipped beam light due to its illumination behaviour. Such an active Night Vision system is currently under development at Hella KG Hueck & Co.. Using this system, the traffic space is illuminated as though with a main beam but using infrared radiation and the scene is recorded using a camera (CCD or CMOS image sensor). The grey scale image produced in this way is put at the drivers disposal via a display. This article will go into the problems of the effects of glare on Night Vision systems and, derived from this, the resulting requirements for the dynamics of the image sensor. In addition, it will illustrate the gain in information that can be provided by a Night Vision system, expressed in terms of an increased visible range. The visible range is a particularly important quality feature of vehicle lighting, since it makes a major contribution to increased safety on the roads. In addition, a large visible range conveys a feeling of comfort and safety to the driver. It must be noted that the Night Vision system used, comprising IR headlamps, camera and output medium, still has great potential for improvement. The tests show, however, that even the current system makes it possible to more than double the perception of particularly relevant standard objects (hare, pedestrian wearing dark clothing). Future investigations must clarify the extent to which the driver can take in this additional information, the design of the man-machine interface and the problems this could pose.