Night vision arrangement

Abstract

In a night vision arrangement for a motor vehicle a camera is provided which captures an image which is subsequently displayed on a display arrangement which may be a head-up display arrangement. The camera directs light on to a beam deflector which may be constituted by a mirror which deflects the beam so that it passes along a neck on to a sensor. The camera may relatively easily be mounted in position in a motor vehicle.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A night vision arrangement for a vehicle, the night vision arrangement comprising: 
 a camera, the camera comprising an optical element which is substantially transparent to at least infra-red light, the optical element defining an optical axis, the camera further comprising an infra-red sensor to capture an image received through the optical element, and a beam deflector in alignment with the optical axis adapted to deflect the beam received through the optical element and to direct the deflected beam on to the sensor; and    a display unit to display the captured image to a driver of the vehicle, part of the camera contains the sensor being mounted within the main envelope of the vehicle in with the optical element, when in an operative position, being beyond said envelope.    
     
     
         2 . The arrangement according to  claim 1 , wherein the optical element is a lens.  
     
     
         3 . The arrangement according to  claim 1 , wherein the optical element is a non-distorting window.  
     
     
         4 . The arrangement according to  claim 1 , wherein the beam deflector is adapted to deflect the beam through approximately 90°.  
     
     
         5 . The arrangement according to  claim 1 , wherein the beam deflector comprises a mirror.  
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein a part of the camera containing the sensor is mounted within the vehicle, with the optical element being positioned or positionable on the exterior of the vehicle.  
     
     
         7 . The arrangement according to  claim 1 , further comprising a means for heating the optical element of the camera.  
     
     
         8 . The arrangement according to  claim 1 , further comprising a means for protecting the optical element from the environment.  
     
     
         9 . The arrangement according to  claim 8 , wherein the means for protecting the optical element from the environment comprises a cover movable to a position in which the optical element is covered.  
     
     
         10 . The arrangement according to  claim 8 , wherein the means for protecting the optical element comprises a means for moving the camera and the optical element so that the optical element is in a retracted and protected position.  
     
     
         11 . The arrangement according to claims  1 , wherein the camera is adapted for being incorporated into a mirror housing.  
     
     
         12 . An arrangement according to  claim 1 , wherein the camera is adapted for being mounted in a fender or bumper.  
     
     
         13 . The arrangement according to  claim 12 , wherein the camera is adapted for being mountable for being moved vertically between an operative position and a retracted position.  
     
     
         14 . The arrangement according to  claim 12 , wherein the camera includes a cover movable between a retracted position in which the optical element is exposed and a closed position in which the optical element is covered.  
     
     
         15 . The arrangement according to  claim 1 , wherein the camera is adapted for being mounted on the roof of a vehicle.  
     
     
         16 . The arrangement according to  claim 15 , wherein the camera is adapted for being incorporated in a roof mounted aerial.  
     
     
         17 . The arrangement according to  claim 15 , wherein the camera is adapted for being incorporated in a roof rail.  
     
     
         18 . A device for the enhancement of night vision in a vehicle like an automobile comprising: 
 an infra-red camera for being mounted on the vehicle to view an area in front of the camera, and generating a video signal representing the thermal image of the area, the camera comprising an optical element for passing light therethrough, and an infra-red sensing means for sensing the light passed through the optical element, and an optical means having an elongated neck and conveying infra-red radiation received through the optical element to the infra-red sensing means;    a processing unit for processing signals from the sensing means; and    a display unit coupled to the processing unit for making an image visible to the vehicle operator.    
     
     
         19 . The arrangement according to  claim 3 , wherein the camera further comprises a separate lens for focussing light passing through the window onto the sensor.