Lexus is using a technology called Night View on the refreshed 2003 LX470. It is not to be confused with Cadillac's Night Vision. You'll see by reading about Night View that is uses a CCD for the image. That's the same technology (a Charged Coupled Device) used for imaging in digital cameras.

From lexus.com:
"This technology differs greatly from other nighttime driving vision aids on the market. Lexus Night View projects near-infrared beams from two lamps in the front bumper. The near-infrared light reflects from objects ahead back to a Charged Coupled Device (CCD) camera mounted inside the vehicle at the top of the windshield. A dedicated computer processes the resulting natural-looking images, which are then projected onto the lower section of the windshield within the driver's field of vision, resulting in a picture similar to that on a black-and-white television.

In contrast, systems that use infrared-based technology work passively, detecting infrared waves from sources that reflect or radiate heat, including people and animals. Those systems display only a "ghost like" image of such sources but not necessarily their surroundings. Lexus Night View gives the driver relatively clear, illuminated images of what is ahead of the vehicle out to a distance of nearly 500 feet - about three to four times the range of low beams."

Check out Lexus.com - they have updated and changed the site around a bit. Usability is much nicer.

 

The controls by the left knee of the driver.

 

A Night View image.

 

Lamps that project the near-infrared beams.

 

I think I like the Raytheon system used in the Cadillac / Volvo XC90 better. Their system works through objects so you can see a highway patrol car sitting behind the bushes with it's engine idling...

I know Cadillac had at least a 1 year exclusive with Raytheon on their system so maybe Volvo payed some big royalties to use it??? Lexus may have chosen to go their own path, but in effect. it's simply a low light camera. IMO, the infra-red system is a truly cool solution.