Night Vision ― A System Approach to Human Machine Interfaces Improving Perception and Traffic Safety

摘要

The primary concern of the automotive supplier Hella KG Hueck & Co. is to continuously improve traffic safety. Examples, which can be found in large numbers today, are xenon headlamps and driver assistance systems. The L-LAB ist an independent agent for research in lighting and safety. Since conventional lighting systems have reached their technical limits today, pians are in progress to use assistance systems for improving perception in the future. In this context it is extremely important to realise the human/machine interface in such a manner that the system offers drivers greater safety on the one hand, while simultaneously minimising distraction, over-taxation and fatigue for the driver on the other. L-LAB is presently working on the performance criteria of night vision systems, consisting of a specially designed infrared headlamp with matching infrared camera, as well as a display for the driver. The present conference paper describes the additional safety as well as the reduction of distraction provided. The quality criterion for this is the distance at which objects can be recognised (visibility distance). For this purpose the visibility distances of various conventional lighting systems were compared with a night vision system in a static test. The results emphasise the benefit of using infrared-based assistance systems for improving perception and therefore increasing traffic safety.