Drivers eye improved night-vision sensors.

• Position: Tech talk - Nightdriver - Brief Article

A night-vision sensor originally developed for the military drivers see in the dark up to five times farther than headlights can reach. With more reaction time, vehicle operators can avoid dangerous situations more easily.

The system, called Nightdriver, was developed by Raytheon Infrared, headquartered in Dallas.

Most night-vision systems magnify low levels of available light, such as moonlight or streetlights. They are dependent on the external light source, and they can actually be "blinded" by intense sources, such as vehicle headlights.

Nightdriver, on the other hand, works regardless of light conditions, said Raytheon spokesperson Kay Kitchens. It employs infrared technology that...