Night Vision Camera

The thermal imaging camera consists of a heated optical element and a thermal imaging sensor. The thermal imaging sensor is made up of a multitude of sensor elements.

Each display pixel is assigned one such sensor element. The sensor elements generate an electrical signal as a function of the impinging intensity of heat radiation.

The higher the temperature, the brighter the corresponding pixel will be displayed. The heat radiation is converted into electrical signals on the basis of the principle of a change in resistance.

Fig 1: Identifying Camera With Bracket

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The image can be replaced up to 60 times per second. In order to ensure an image of consistent quality, it is necessary for the camera to be calibrated roughly every 120 seconds. This calibration can take up to approx. 0.5 seconds. For this reason, the image may be seen to freeze in the display.

The Night Vision camera is mounted with a bracket directly behind the left ventilation grille on the bumper mounting bracket.

The camera is equipped with a sensor which detects heat-emitting objects in the Far Infrared range (wavelengths from 8 μm to 15 μm).

The camera resolution is 320 x 240 pixels. The maximum angle of view is 36°. The calculations for the "Bend/curve mode" functions are made in the camera. The camera operates in an ambient-temperature range of - 104°F to 185°F (40°C to +85°C). The camera and imaging sensor are thermally insulated to provide protection against heat influences from the camera surroundings.

The washer jet is screwed to the camera bracket and is situated directly above the camera's front lens. It is directly connected to the headlight washer system and therefore operates in conjunction with the latter.

A heater element is incorporated on the inside of the camera-housing cover to prevent the optical element from misting over or freezing up. The heater is activated when the rain/light sensor detects precipitation or at temperatures below 32°F (0°C).