More than the human eye can see
Regardless of how good their vision is, drivers can have difficulty recognizing pedestrians, cyclists or animals on the side of the road, or crossing from one side to the
other at dusk, dawn, or at night. This issue is of particular concern in rural areas,
where the streets are not well lit, or when visibility is otherwise poor, for example in
rain, fog or light snow.
With a night vision system, however the driver can detect these
vulnerable road users while the car is still at a safe distance – even
when they are not within the range of the car’s headlights.
The NightGuard solution
IEE’s NightGuard recognizes the thermal signature of living beings
and, by applying a sophisticated detection algorithm, generates a
warning for the driver. The system recognizes pedestrians and animals, even when they have not yet been seen by the naked eye.
The camera does not require any light source, it uses natural thermal radiation. NightGuard sees living beings at a distance of 300 meters. Then 110 meters
before the car reaches the person or animal, the system issues a corresponding warning on the vehicle’s screen or via a head-up display.
Unlike human eyes or other cameras, NightGuard is not impacted by glare – the thermal images are always clear and easily recognizable. NightGuard is waterproof and
operates over a wide temperature range and in a variety of weather conditions.
Due to its small size, NightGuard can easily be integrated into a vehicle’s front grill. It
also includes an automatic heating device that prevents system impairment resulting
from ice deposits in frosty conditions.
Key Advantages
•Easy integration: Due to its small size, the camera can easily be integrated into the
radiator grill of any passenger vehicle
•A range of conditions: NightGuard is suitable for a range of weather conditions,
including rain, fog and light snow. It is also waterproof and operates over a wide
temperature range
•Robust technology: NightGuard’s optical window includes an automatic heating
device to prevent system impairment due to ice deposits in frosty conditions
•Reliability: NightGuard offers excellent detection capabilities in conditions where
visibility is poor and does not require any external light source
IEE is a recognized supplier of automotive safety sensors and electronics. Due to our
considerable experience in detection algorithms and image processing, IEE is the
perfect partner for your night vision needs.
NightGuard
camera
An important contribution to road safety
NightGuard helps to prevent severe collisions with
pedestrians and animals, which predominantly
occur in conditions where there is poor visibility. In
Europe, 51% of pedestrian fatalities occur in darkness (EU - 2010)
The Euro NCAP “2020 Roadmap” announced the
introduction of “updated test & assessment procedures to encompass pedestrians and pedal cyclists
in daylight, darkness and obscure lighting conditions” in 2018.
Japan NCAP plans to introduce a “night
pedestrian detection warning” function into their
rating scheme in 2016.
Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) and
microbolometer technology
NightGuard consists of a small camera integrated
into the radiator grill and a processing unit located
in the vehicle’s interior.
LWIR is the range of electromagnetic radiation, with
a wavelength between 8 and 15 um. Every object
naturally emits radiation in this range at ambient
temperatures. The radiation intensity depends on
the object’s material and temperature.
NightGuard uses microbolometer technology to capture this radiation and convert it
into a usable electrical signal. NightGuard processes the electrical signal to form a
clear image for the driver and feed the detection algorithm. The difference in radiation
between pedestrians, animals and the scenery makes robust detection possible, even
in complete darkness.
IEE is an innovative developer of specialized sensing systems. Our sensing systems are dedicated to the following markets: Automotive, Building Management &
Security, Medical, Health and Sports. IEE was founded in1989 and is headquartered
in Luxembourg. We operate in Europe, the U.S. and Asia, and employ 1,900 people
worldwide.
For more information, please visit www.iee.lu
or send an e-mail to [email protected]
FS-NightGuard-18-DEC-2014
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