Indigo Systems And Autoliv Announce 'Night Vision' Alliance

    SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--Dec. 3, 2001--Indigo Systems Corporation, an advanced technology firm manufacturing infrared cameras and telecommunications devices has announced their strategic partnership with Autoliv, a worldwide leader in automotive safety systems.
    Their alliance will jump start the development of affordable infrared devices for use in automobiles and other vehicles, extending a driver's night vision capability up to 3 times past where conventional high-beams allow them to see.
    Using technology developed in conjunction with the U.S. Army, these tiny cameras detect heat from objects and are calibrated to be sensitive to the wavelength of humans and animals.
    This gives the advantage of a broader and longer view than conventional headlights, allowing the motorist to see not only further down the road but also see animals or pedestrians off to the side before they are visible in the head lit area. This system will also permit the motorist to view the darkened area that is created when two cars approach at night.
    Objects will be visible much quicker and more accurately, giving the driver a safety advantage that in the not too distant past was a reality only in fighter jets. Because of their miniature size, the cameras can be mounted inconspicuously close to the driver's head, without obstructing normal vision.
    The display is on a television-like screen, which stows away in the instrument panel during daylight hours. When the driver switches on the night vision system, the transparent screen rises into position in front of the driver and the infrared view is displayed on the screen.
    General Motors has already paired with Indigo as a "Cooperative Source Partner" in this same effort to establish industry standards and solutions to night vision systems. Like the GPS (Global Positioning System) when it was introduced, the cost was prohibitive for most consumer use. The broad appeal and the subsequent cost per unit became quickly affordable and desirable at the mass-market level. The night vision camera affordability will likely follow suit.

    ABOUT THE COMPANY: Indigo Systems(TM) Corporation, founded in 1996, is a premier developer and supplier of infrared thermal imaging cameras, advanced infrared sensors (FPAs-focal plane arrays) and custom, mixed-signal readout integrated circuits (ROICs) for commercial, military, scientific and industrial use.
    The company is currently geared up to supply the demand for homeland security and defense products, specifically in their line of infrared cameras.
    For further information, please visit http://www.indigosystems.com