AutoLiv, maker of the night vision offered in the BMW 5 Series, 6 Series, and 7 Series, is showing off the Generation 2 enhancements that go into production now and will be available for cars entering production this summer. AutoLiv isn’t talking specifics, but it sounds as if the first recipient could well be the next-generation 7 Series, which is expected to have a press launch this summer and availability in the fall. In a demonstration last week, Autoliv showed off these new features:
Pedestrian detection. Autoliv’s custom software looks for human-like features in the road ahead, such as a head and torso, and moving limbs. If it detects what appears to be pedestrians, the display draws a highlighted rectangle around each likely human. It works quickest with a clearly moving figure but also picks up people standing still, bicycle riders, and skateboaders. Autoliv is working on animal detection as a follow-on.
Extended range. The Autoliv system currently used in BMW has a range of about 300 meters using passive, or far-infrared, technology. The next generation sensor from Autoliv’s partner, Flir Systems (the people who handed out hundreds of yellow microfiber cleaning cloths at Oktoberfest 2007) has the ability to see out to 500 meters. In comparision, the active, or near-infrared, technology used by Mercedes-Benz works to about 150 meters, but with a picture that’s like black and white TV. (Passive IR is more like watching an X-ray.)
Narrower beam. The new system will resolve 24 degrees of coverage vs. 36 degrees in the older system. (Which could be zoomed to 24 degrees.)
Lower cost (to the automaker). Autoliv’s managing director of night vision systems, Stuart Klapper, says the cost (from Autoliv to automakers) is roughly half that of the first-generation system. As to whether that savings would be passed on to the car buyer … Klapper defers to the judgment of the automakers as to the best selling price. BMW’s current systems list at $2,200. They’ve been available since 2005.
Running change on the X6?Since night vision isn’t on the new X6, which otherwise has the most new technology of any BMW, it’s possible BMW is holding off for the first half-year, rather than having a short run of the now outgoing first-generation technology.
It's likely BMW will upgrade the night vision offering on the existing 5 Series and 6 Series, add it to the X6, and make it part of the new flagship 7 Series. It's uncertain if the X5 would get night vision. Another question is whether BMW would consider it for the 3 Series if the cost really has come down.
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