AICT Japan develops night vision camera that captures color images

Lighting is a prerequisite for taking beautiful color images. So, we cannot capture the vibrant colors when taking a picture in darkness as of now. However, the Nanosystem Research Division of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has developed a new technology using infrared radiation that allows the user to take images in color when shooting in the dark – albeit not exact shades – but very much in color. We are already aware of night vision technologies that are incorporated for military operation that produce green and black images in the dark (monochromatic). Still, this new camera will add more colors and will produce pictures and even videos under dark condition looking as if they had been shot during the day.

21 color night vision camera

This camera makes use of the highly sensitive infrared photography technology that scans the environs of the room in order to produce a digital lay-out. After producing the digital image, the camera produces various algorithms that scan the wavelengths when the objects present in the room are illuminated by the infrared radiation. The camera then decides upon the basis of the wavelengths produced the colors of the objects and fills the image with color. This technology is perfect, however, there may be variations in tone and hue of the color. This camera can be used in a variety of applications such as automobile assistance, keeping track of wildlife and security cameras.

At present, AIST is improvising on the size of the camera (making it more compact and durable) and is also developing a new lens that can capture images from a distance. A commercial version of this night-vision camera is slated for 2011-end release which will be able to capture images close to their natural colors - and will provide a breakthrough in many applications.

Via: PhysOrg