VIDEO: Must see-New night vision system in action on the new BMW 7-series

American system groundbreaking...you must be joking.
If you're not I suggest not to comment on technology articles because you are clueless.

The MB and BMW work differently. However, both make the Cadillac system look like a caveman designed it. I read a magazine article about a NASA engineer that tested the MB system and he was simply amazed by the technology.

I usually refrain from calling anybody names, but I think I will make an exception for you GSH.

GSH, maybe the NASA test pilot is an idiot too?

Here is the article:

“We were so impressed with the level of tech in the S550 we decided to solicit comments from someone who deals with some of the most advanced hardware on the planet on a daily basis. Our candidate was Craig Bomben, call sign "Bomber." He's a test pilot at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base. Bomben flew combat missions in a Hornet during the first Gulf War and for him, dealing with electrowizardry holds more than a passing intellectual interest. He's out there at the radical fringe of technology separating wheat from what can get you shot down in combat.

The other very cool feature is the Night View Assist. Unlike most automotive night vision systems that amplify ambient light levels, this system throws out its own infrared light beam. Two beams actually, one from each headlight assembly. The result is captured by an infrared camera mounted in the windshield and displayed on the instrument panel. The black-and-white video image of what's ahead replaces the digital speedo in the IP. There's something mesmerizing about that image. It's like being part of your own police chase or watching an Italian neo-realist film.

As night fell, Bomben activated the Night View Assist and after a few minutes decided that he could learn to drive the S550 without looking out the windshield. "The clarity is terrific. It's better than the NVDs [night vision devices] we use because you don't get big heat blooms on this. Oncoming headlights don't blow out the rest of the field like an NVD would." And in truth, you could drive the S550 entirely through the infrared portal. All it takes is nerves, faith in the hardware and a very understanding insurance agent.”

This guy was very impressed with the S550. If you want to read the whole article here is the link:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=108988

WHO IS THE IDIOT NOW GSH?

I can't address BMW's system per se, but I watched a video one or two months ago comparing MB's night-vision system with another vehicle possessing HID (xenon) headlamps on high beam. The video clearly showed that the HID lights illuminated the roadway better than MB's night vision system. I'm inclined to agree with Stokedcat: upon closer investigation, these night-vision systems appear to be little more than an unnecessary expense designed to appeal to a person's emotions (wow, that's cool, and I must own it) rather than to his/her intelligence.

Nothing can ever replace an alert driver and good headlights, but it doesn't mean that night vision is useless. I believe it can be a great aid.

Here is a good video. Watch the whole thing. You can clearly see that the driver changing the tire was on the screen way before you could see him with the naked eye. This is where the system shines. It's not affected by bright lights unlike your eyes or NVGs.



http://www.autospies.com/article/index.asp?articleId=6519&categoryId=