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 Nightview 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 Nightview 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. Nightview 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 Nightview 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 Nightview has gone into series production as the first NIR based Nightview 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 Nightview, 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 Nightview 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.