Cat's eye helped Korean scientists create a unique night vision camera

Engineers in South Korea have developed a new night vision camera capable of seeing through camouflage using technology inspired by the eyes of cats.

Here's What We Know

A team led by Professor Young Min Song of the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology has created a camera that can capture images in the dark and distinguish camouflaged objects. The camera utilises two key features of cats' eyes: vertical pupils and a reflective structure behind the retina known as tapetum lucidum. These elements allow cats to see in low-light conditions and distinguish objects in the background.

The researchers recreated these structures using a vertical aperture and a silicon photodetector with silver reflectors. In tests, the camera successfully distinguished camouflaged objects, such as a mouse figurine, despite the complex background. However, despite the successes, the camera has limitations, such as a reduced field of view. The engineers proposed a solution: to use systems that mimic not only the cats' vision, but also their head and shoulder movements, to better replicate the capabilities of the cat's eyes.

Source: Science Advances