Digital Image Processing

“HOW NIGHT VISION WORKS ”

ABSTRACT:
Night Vision scopes and
binoculars are electro-optical
devices that intensify (or amplify)
existing light instead of relying
on light source of their own.
The devices are sensitive to a
broad spectrum of light, from
visible through infrared.An
accessory illuminator can
increase the light available at the
infrared end of the spectrum by
casting a beam of light that is
not visible to the human eye.An
infrared night vision system
senses heat radiated by things
and produces a video picture of
the heat scene. The gadget
that senses the
heat is a photocathode, similar to
the one in a video camera,
except it is sensitive to
infrared radiation instead of
visible light. There are two
methods of operating night
vision systems, being either in
a 'passive' mode or an 'active'
mode. Passive systems amplify
the existing environmental
ambient lighting, while active
systems rely on an infrared
light source to provide ufficient
illumination. Active systems are
often used today on many
consumer devices such as home
video cameras
.How Night Vision Work
introduction to How Night Vision
Work
The first thing you probably
think of when you see the words
night vision is a spy or action
movie you've seen, in which
someone straps on a pair of
night-vision goggles to find
someone else in a dark building
on a moonless night. And you
may have wondered "Do those
things really work?Can
you actually see in the
dark?"
Night Vision Image Gallery
The answer is most definitely
yes. With the proper night-vision
equipment, you can see a
person standing over 200 yards
(183 m) away on a moonless,
cloudy night! Night vision can
work in two very different ways,
depending on the technology
used.
Infrared Light:
In order to understand night
vision, it is important to
understand something about
light. The amount of energy in a
lightwave is related to its
wavelength: Shorter wavelengths
have higher energy. Of
visiblelight, violet has the most
energy, and red has
the least. Just next to the
visible light spectrum is the
infrared spectrum.
Infrared light is a small part
of the light spectrum.
Infrared light can be
split into three categories:
Near-infrared(near-IR) -
Closest to visible light,near-IR
has wavelengths that range
from 0.7 to 1.3 microns, or
700 billionths to 1,300
billionths of a meter.
Mid-infrared (mid-IR) - Mid-IR
Has wavelengths ranging from
1.3
To 3 microns.both near IR and
mid
IR are used by a variety of
electon-
Devices including remotecontrols.
Thermal-infrared (thermal-IR)
- Occupying the largest part of the
infrared spectrum,thermal-IR has
wavelengths ranging from 3
microns to over 30 microns.
Basic Technologies:
Night vision work in two
very different ways, depending
on the technology used
Image enhancement - This works
by collecting the tiny amounts
of light, including the lower
portion of the infrared light
spectrum, that are present but
may be imperceptible to our
eyes, easily observe the image.
Thermal imaging -
This technology
operates by capturing the
upper portion of the infrared
light spectrum, which is
emitted as heat by objects
instead of simply reflected
as light. Hotter objects,
such as warm bodies, emit
more of this light than
cooler objects like trees or
buildings.
INFRA-RED ILUMINATORS
Basically what an IRI does is
throw out a beam of infra-red
light that is near invisible to the
naked eye but your NVD can
see it. This allows you to use
your scope even in total
darkness. The IRI works like a
flashlight and the distance you
can see with it will be limited.
We do use the most powerful
eye-safe illuminator on the
market. This allows our IRI to
extend out to 100 yards
However, because of the
power at a short distance the
IRI may cover only
40-60% of the viewing area.
1. Front Lens
2. Photocathode
3. Micro-channel
4.High Voltage PowerSupply
5. Phosphorus Screen
6. Eyepiece
Recent Development in Field
of Night Vision
When you look through a night
vision device you may notice
black spots on the screen. A
NVD is similar to a television
screen and attracts dust and
dirt.
Typically these spots can be
cleaned. However, this may also
be a spot in the tube itself. These
black spots will not affect
the performance or reliability of
the night vision device. Night
vision devices gather
existing
ambientlight(starlight,moonlight
or infrared light) through the front
lens. This light, which is made up 1.A conventional lens, called
of photons goes into a the objective lens, captures
photocathode tube that changes ambient light and some near-
the photons to electrons.The infrared light.
electrons are then amplified to
a much greater number through 2. The gathered light is sent to
an electrical and chemical the image-intensifiertube.In most
process. The electrons are then NVDs, the power supply for
hurled against a phosphorus the image-intensifier tube
screen that changes the receives
amplified electrons back into 3. power from two N-Cell or
visible light that you see through two "AA" batteries. The tube
the eyepiece. The image will now outputs a high voltage, about
be a clear green-hued amplified 5,000 volts, to the image-tube
re- creationof the scene you were components.
Observing plate.

Night Vision's mission is to:

 Acquire
 and Target Enemy
Force in Battlefield
Enironments;
 Detect
 and Neutralize Mines,
Minefields, and Unexploded
Ordnance;Develop
Humanitarian
Demining Technology;
 Deny Enemy Surveillance
& Acquisition through 4. The image-intensifier tube
Electro- Optic, Camouflage, has a photocathode,whichis used
Concealment and Deception to convert the photons of light
Techniques; energy into electrons.
 Provide for Night Driving and
Pilotage. 5.As the electrons pass
 Working of ImageEnhancement through the tube, similar
Image-enhancement technology electrons are released from
is what most people think of when atoms in the tube, multiplying
you talk about night the original number of electrons
vision. In fact,image- by a factor of thousands
enhancement systems are through the use of a
normally called night-vision microchannel plate (MCP) in the
devices (NVDs). NVDs rely on a tube. The MCP is contained in a
special tube, called an image- vacuum and has metal
intensifier tube, to collect and electrodes on either side of the
amplify infrared and visible light. disc. When the electrons from
Here's how image enhancement the photo cathode hit the first
works: electrode of the MCP, they are
accelerated into the glass
microchannels by the 5,000-V
bursts beingsent between the
electrode pair. An interesting
fact is that the microchannels in
the MCP are created at a slight
angle (about a 5- degree to 8-
degree bias) to encourage
electron collisions and reduce
both ion and direct-light
excited state and they release
photons.These
phosphorscreatethe green
image.
The green phosphor image
is viewed through another
lens, called the ocular lens,
which allows you to magnify
and focus the image.
Thermal Imaging Process
Image of a small dog taken
in mid- infrared ("thermal")
light (false color)
Thermal imaging, also called as
thermo graphic or thermal
video, is a type of infrared
imaging.Thermo graphic
cameras detect radiation in
theinfraredrangeof(roughly900–
feedback fromthe phosphors on
the output side.At the end of
the image-intensifier tube, the
electrons hit a screen coated
with phosphors, which provides
a perfect image. The energy
of the electrons causes the
phosphors to reach an
phosphorous plate and this
plate
14,000 nanometers or 0.9–14
µm) and produce images of that
radiation. The amount of
radiation emitted by an object
increases with temperature,
therefore thermograph allows
one to see variations in
temperature(hence the name).
When viewed by thermographic
camera, warm objects stand
out well against cooler
backgrounds; humans and
other warm-blooded animals
become easily visible against
the environment, day or night.
It has many other uses. For
example, firefighters use it to see
through smoke. Thermal imaging
cameras are also installed in
some luxury cars to aid the
driver.Somephysiologicalactivitie
s,particularly responses, in
human beings and other warm-
blooded animals can also be
monitored with thermo graphic
imaging.InsteadofCCDsensors,m
ostthermal imaging cameras
use CMOS Focal Plane Array
(FPA).
Generations:
NVDs have been around for more
than 40 years.They are
categorized by
generation.Eachsubstantial
change in NVD technology to electrons. Additionally, the
establishes a new generation. MCP is coated with an ion barrier,
which dramatically increases
Generation 0- - The original the life of the tube.
night- vision system created
by the United States Army Generation 4 -
and used in World War II and Whatisgenerally knownas
the Korean War, these NVDs Generation 4or"filmless and
use active infrared. gated" technology shows
significant overallimprovement
Generation 1 - The next in both low-and high-level light
generation of NVDs moved away environments.
from active infrared, using The removal of the ion barrier
passive infrared instead.This from the MCP that was added
also means that they do not in Generation 3 technology
work very well on cloudy or reduces the background noise
moonless nights. Generation-1 and thereby enhances the signal
NVDs use the same image- to noise ratio.
intensifier tube technology as Night Vision Equipment :
Generation 0, with both They are broadly classified
cathode and anode, so image into three cateogeries:
distortion and short tube life are
still a problem. Scopes –Normally they are
handheld or mounted on a
Generation 2 - Major weapon, scopes are monocular
improvements in image- scopes. Since are handheld,they
intensifier tubes resulted in are good for when you want to
Generation-2NVDs. They get better look at a specific
offer improved resolution object and then return to normal
and performance over viewing conditions.
Generation-1devices,and are
considerably more reliable. The Goggles - While goggles can be
biggest gain in Generation 2 is handheld, they are most often
the ability to see in extremely worn on the head. Goggles are
low light conditions, such as a binocular
moonless night. This increased (two eye-pieces) and may
sensitivity is due to the addition have a single lens or stereo lens,
of the microchannel plate to depending on the model.
the image- intensifier tube. Goggles are excellent for
constant viewing, such as moving
Generation 3 - While there are around in a dark building.
no substantial changes in the
underlying technology from Cameras - Cameras with
Generation 2, these NVDs have night- vision technology can
even better resolution and send the image to a monitor for
sensitivity. This is because the display or to a VC for recording.
photo cathode is made using When night- vision capability is
gallium arsenide, which is very desired
efficient at converting photons In a permanent location, such
 as on a building or as part of the natu re
equipment ina helicopter enth usi
cameras are used. Many of the asts use
newer camcorders have night
vision built right in. NVDs to maneuver through the
woods at night.Detectives and
Applications: private investigators use night

Hunting
Wildlife observation
Surveillance
Security
Navigation
Hidden-object detection
Entertainment
It isused extensively by the
military
fornavigation,surveillance and vision to watch people they are
targeting. Police and security assigned to track. .
ofte use both two the thermal-
imagingandimage- enhancement
technology, particularly
for surveillance. Hunters and Night Vision System for Cars:

Common applications for night weapon, scopes are monocular

vision include: scopes. Since are handheld,they
Military Generation 4 - are good for when you want to
What is generally known as get better look at a specific
Generation 4or"filmless and object and then return to normal
gated"technology shows viewing conditions.
significant overallimprovement
in both low-and high-level light Goggles - While goggles can
environments.
The removal of the ion barrier
from the MCP that was added
in Generation 3 technology depending on the model.
reduces the background noise Goggles are excellent for
and thereby enhances the signal constant viewing, such as
to noise ratio. moving around in adark
Night Vision Equipment : building.Cameras - Cameras with
They are broadly classified night- vision technology can
into three cateogeries: send the image to a monitor for
display or to a VC for recording.
When night- vision capability is
desired in permanent location,
Scopes –Normally they are such as on a building or as part
handheld or mounted on a of the equipment in a helicopter
cameras are used. Many of the
newer camcorders have night
vision built right in.
At the International Motor Show
Applications: (IAA) in Frankfurt, Siemens has
introduced a night vision
system that works with infrared
Hunting technology. One quarter of all
 Wildlife observation serious traffic accidents take
 Surveillance place in the evening or at night.
 Security Night Vision makes a vehicle’s
 Navigation darkened surroundings visible out
 Hidden-object detection to a distance of 150 meters.
 Entertainment Night Vision generates an
electronically processed video
It is used extensively by the iage that can be displayed in
military for navigation, real time in the head-up display.
surveillance and targeting. The pedestrian marking in the
Police and security often use video image has been realized
both thermal-imaging and by Siemens VDO as a prototype
image- enhancement with image processing
basedtechnology,and particularly electronics. This analyzes all the
for surveillance. Hunters and image data according to
nature enthusiasts use NVDs to temperature differences and
maneuver through the woods typical shapes and marks
at night.Detectives and private pedestrians on the monitor with
investigators use night vision to a warning. It will be some time
watch people they are assigned before these special features
to track. . will be ready for market launch.

CONCLUSION:
Night Vision System for Cars:
It’s a critical study, which
plays a vital role in modern world
as it is involved with advanced
Common applications for night
use of scienceand
vision include:
technology.The advancesin
 Military
technology have created the
 Law enforcement
tremendous opportunities for
Vision System and
ImageProcessing.The technology
At the International Motor
has evolved greatly since their
Show (IAA) in Frankfurt,
introduction,leadingtoseveral"gen
Siemens has introduced a
erations" of night vision
night vision system that
equipment
works with infrared technology.
with performance increasing and
One quarter of all serious
price decreasing.From the above
traffic accidents take place in
discussion we can conclude
the evening or at night.
that thisfieldhas relatively more
Law enforcement advantages than disadvantages
and hence is very useful in ght-
varied branches. Vision-Technology.html
http://www.ieee.org
REFERENCES: http://www.wolfram.com/product
http://medind.nic.in/iab/t06/i1/ia s/applications/digitalimage/
bt06i1p11.pdf
http://blogs.ibibo.com/eminem/Ni