Night vision safety systems for cars are becoming increasingly important as pedestrian fatalities continue to rise, especially at night. In the United States, there has been a significant increase in pedestrian deaths over the last decade, with 2022 being the most dangerous year in 41 years. The majority of these fatalities occur at night, with almost 100% of the increase in deaths happening during nighttime. To address this problem, companies like Owl AI have developed night vision safety systems for cars.
This night vision system from Own AI uses thermal infrared technology coupled with artificial intelligence to detect people, animals, and cars in zero light conditions. By being able to see for hundreds of meters in complete darkness, these systems can help prevent accidents and save lives.
Owl AI has already conducted tests to demonstrate the effectiveness of its night vision safety system. By using their high-resolution thermal camera and advanced artificial intelligence software, they were able to successfully avoid collisions with a dummy pedestrian in test scenarios. In contrast, other systems tested by independent organizations resulted in multiple accidents.
However, the thermal camera technology is not limited to nighttime use but can be effective 24/7, making it a valuable tool for drivers at all times. With the ability to see through fog, snow, and dust storms, thermal cameras provide an added layer of safety and awareness for drivers in various driving conditions. This technology has the potential to save lives by alerting drivers to potential hazards and giving them the information they need to react quickly and avoid accidents.
One of the key innovations of Owl AI's system is its introduction of an HD thermal camera, which surpasses the current industry standard of VGA resolution. This advancement in technology allows for clearer and more precise detection of objects in the dark, improving overall safety on the road.
One of the key advantages of thermal camera technology is its ability to detect objects in the dark that may not be visible to the naked eye or traditional cameras. By using thermal imaging, these systems can identify pedestrians, animals, or other obstacles on the road, even in challenging weather conditions such as fog or snow. This advanced level of visibility can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and improve overall road safety.
The U.S. government has also taken notice of the issue and has mandated that all cars and trucks sold in the United States by the end of 2028 must be equipped with automatic braking systems for pedestrians at night. This legislation aims to ensure that drivers are alerted to potential dangers and that the car can brake automatically if the driver fails to react in time.
In conclusion, Owl AI's night vision safety system for cars is essential in addressing the increasing number of pedestrian fatalities, particularly at night. By combining thermal infrared technology with artificial intelligence, these systems can help prevent accidents and save lives on the road. With the support of government legislation and advancements in technology, the future of nighttime driving safety looks promising.
Interview by Don Baine, The Gadget Professor.
Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.
