· Active system with high-contrast image

· Directly aids driver in making decisions

Night Vision from Bosch makes driving by night more comfortable and safer. The active infrared Night Vision system with a range of about 150 meters supplies the driver with an accurate image of the situation in front of the car. The high-resolution, brilliant image on the monitor is rich in contrast and details; it is very similar to the normal visual impression received with high beam. This allows the driver to better follow the course of the road in the dark, get better bearings of the environment and to see other road users or possible obstacles early on. Light from headlamps of oncoming vehicles is attenuated in the monitor image and no longer blinds the driver. All these features of Night Vision help to relieve the feeling of insecurity which overcomes many drivers when driving by night. The range of the low beam of a regular halogen headlamp is, as a rule, a mere 40 meters. Because of the high traffic density in Europe producing always a lot of oncoming traffic, high beam can only be used on rare occasions.

The Night Vision system produces a very detailed image:
The system consists basically of an infrared video camera attached between the interior rear-view mirror and the windshield, a display in the cockpit, the electronic control unit and two infrared headlamps. Night Vision is an active system on the basis of NIR (near infrared) technology. Active means: the road is illuminated with infrared light which cannot be seen by the human eye. Thus Night Vision renders all objects visible, even those not generating any sensible heat, such as road posts, road signs, lost cargo or parked cars, even road markings.

The Bosch Night Vision has gone into series production as the first NIR based Night Vision system this year in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It will be available in other cars as well in the future.

The NIR technology used in the Bosch video camera is based on state-of-the-art CMOS sensors (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). These semi-conductors produce the above mentioned detailed accuracy and large range of the field of vision displayed. This is a requisite for the extra safety provided by Night Vision, because the image seen can be easily interpreted and thus greatly helps the driver to come quickly to the right decision.

Bosch is working on integrating Night Vision with other driver assistance systems in the future. The video camera for instance enables the integration of the Lane Departure Warning and Road Sign Recognition systems.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. According to preliminary figures, some 270,000 associates generated sales of roughly 38 billion euros in the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology in fiscal 2009. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH. Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.

PI5135 - November 2005