NVTi | Night Vision Technologies, inc. | seeing is believing®

Night Vision Facts.

Thermal Technology

All objects, such as shorelines or floating objects, have a certain temperature (heat signature) that is the result of daytime heat absorption. Other objects such as people, motors, buildings, or boats generate their own heat signature. Thermal sensors detect the difference between the heat signature of any object and those of the surrounding area or other objects. These differences are converted to video with distinct colors or shades of gray assigned to "hot" and "cool" objects, producing an image that resembles a photographic negative. Factors which equalize or mask the heat signature of different objects such as fog, rain, heavy spray, or even the length of time after sunset can reduce the effectiveness of thermal imaging. However, the ability to passively detect infrared radiation (heat) in all light situations, through smoke, haze, and a wide range of environmental conditions, makes thermal imaging the most popular type of vision system on today's market.

Low Lux Technology

Low lux tecnnology amplifies ambient light, such as running lights or street lights, to render high quality video. These systems provide detailed images in environments that are too restricted by darkness for daylight cameras or too bright for Gen III Intensifying night vision equipment.

Gen III Light Intensifying Technology

Originally developed for the military, Gen III light intensification scans a scene and intensifies the available light to produce a clear image. This technology does require a certain level light, but starlight will produce a satisfactory result, and a moonlit night produces outstanding images. Because the system requires at least a minimum level of ambient light, conditions such as heavy overcast can limit its effectiveness. Similarly, higher light levels, such as those encountered when approaching a marina or populated area, may overwhelm the system and reduce its effectiveness.