Automotive night vision systems allow drivers to detect movement and objects beyond the normal vision scope of the headlights. Two technologies are commonly used: thermal imaging and infrared illumination. There are some differences in how the two work, but they each can produce similar results.
Thermal imaging uses a thermographic camera to detect heat from objects in front of the vehicle. These cameras are so precise that they can detect even the smallest temperature differences. The camera scans for temperature differences and can create a detailed ‘heat-map’ image of the object and display it on your vehicle’s center console screen or a heads-up display. Some vehicles may utilize other ADAS safety features, such as collision mitigation, to automatically improve driver safety.
Rather than cameras, infrared night vision systems use unique infrared light lamps to push infrared light out in front of the vehicle. This night vision system is typically activated when an unfamiliar object enters the field of infrared light. The object is then displayed on the center console screen as a black and white image. Some infrared systems can scan areas up to 500 feet in front of the vehicle.