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 ele-
ment. The sensor elements generate an electrical
signal as a function of the impinging intensity of
heat radiation.
The higher the temperature, the brighter the corre-
sponding pixel will be displayed. The heat radiation
is converted into electrical signals on the basis of
the principle of a change in resistance.
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).
13
BMW Night Vision
Camera with Bracket (E65 shown)
To Next Page
