We have developed a Night View system to assist a driver’s vision during night driving. This system can capture an image beyond the range of low beam headlights with near-infrared camera and display a monochrome virtual image onto the windshield in front of the driver. To avoid startling the driver of an oncoming vehicle, this system projects a near-infrared ray, which is hardly visible to the human eye.

Because a virtual image is displayed on to the windshield, we have optimized the position, size and brightness of the head-up display (HUD) to enhance a driver’s view during night driving. A switch is provided to turn the system on and off and to control the HUD’s brightness. This system can be effective without impairing typical night driving.