Infra-red

18:41 August 17, 2009 PDT

The new Raytheon 4K by 4K, 16 megapixel focal plane array

Raytheon has announced the creation of the world's largest infra-red light wave detector, the "4K by 4K" focal plane array. Not only will it allow whole hemisphere satellite monitoring at 16 megapixel resolution but it should also make sensors less dependent on the complicated scanning mechanisms used in current systems. Read More

CAMERAS AND IMAGING

Invisible Flash sheds new light on photography in the dark

By Paul Ridden

06:17 August 6, 2009 PDT

As technology becomes available to help those wishing to avoid the annoying flash photography of the paparazzi get some payback, researchers Dilip Krishnan and Rob Fergus from New York University have developed a system for taking dazzle-free photos in poor lighting conditions which could result in celebs not even knowing they're being photographed. Named dark light flash photography by its creators, the system uses light waves beyond our visible range and special software and algorithms to produce photos comparable in quality to a long exposure shot. Read More

AROUND THE HOME

illumi-knob helps you find doors in the dark

By Michael Mulcahy

00:56 June 24, 2009 PDT

The illumi-knob not only senses motion to provide a light at night, its ergonomic design a...

If you’ve ever stumbled around a room at night trying to find the door, the illumi-knob will strike you as simply brilliant. Designed to fit over most door handles, the device uses a passive infra-red sensor to detect any movement within 10 feet and then turn on two gentle LED light rings. It’s not bright enough to wake anyone, but more than enough to get you safely to - and through - the door. Read More

MOTORCYCLES

Kawasaki set to debut night vision, helmet-mounted heads-up displays and collision avoidance technology

By Ben Purvis

20:10 June 7, 2009 PDT

Kawasaki set to debut night vision, helmet-mounted heads-up displays and collision avoidan...

KAWASAKI'S 1400 GTR is already one of the most technologically-advanced bikes on the planet – with variable valve timing, keyless ignition and tyre pressure sensors as standard – but the firm is preparing a whole new generation of ground breaking technology for the next-generation GTR. Heading up the technological onslaught comes a system that until now has been in the preserve of only the world's most expensive cars; night vision. Read More