Companies Ally to Develop Night-Vision Tool

Indigo Systems Corp., a manufacturer of IR cameras and telecommunications devices, and Autoliv, a specialist in automotive safety systems, have joined to develop affordable IR night-vision cameras for use in motor vehicles. The devices are sensitized to the wavelength of humans and animals, potentially enabling drivers to see pedestrians and creatures off to the side before they become visible with headlights. The technology may also improve visibility in the darkened area created when two cars approach each other. Indigo says that the systems could extend a motorist's ability to see up to three times farther than high beams do.

A transparent screen positioned in front of the driver would display the IR view captured by the miniature camera, which would be mounted near the driver's head. The screen can be stowed when not in use.