Abstract
The visual range when driving a car with dipped beam is limited by the statutory beam pattern and often is not sufficient. Given today's traffic volume, the main beam can only rarely be used. Active Night Vision systems based on infrared (IR) lighting provide an opportunity to increase the visual range without dazzling oncoming traffic. The system consists of an IR headlamp, a camera and a man-machine interface, e.g. a display. In the following, the system concept is presented and the possibilities of infrared lighting and its integration in modern headlamps discussed.