Nissan introducing smart rearview mirror combining LCD monitor and conventional mirror
28 February 2014
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| Smart rearview mirror. Click to enlarge. |
Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., has developed what it is calling a “smart” rearview mirror—an LCD monitor that not only provides clear rearward visibility under various conditions, but also allows the driver the ability to switch between the LCD monitor and the traditional rearview mirror, depending on the preference. Nissan will introduce the Smart rearview mirror at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.
The Smart rearview mirror is housed within the structure of the rearview mirror, with a built-in LCD monitor that can be activated in place of the conventional mirror. A high-resolution camera mounted on the rear of the vehicle provides the driver with a clear unobstructed view of the rear flanks, allowing the ability to check blind spots and other traffic conditions. The camera projects a clear image onto the monitor to provide the driver with a better view for a more comfortable driving experience.
An additional feature of the Smart rearview mirror is the versatile switch function. Operated by a control located at the bottom of the mirror, the driver can utilize the traditional rearview mirror system, or with a flip of a switch, gain an unobstructed rearward view behind the vehicle embedded on the LCD display.
| Nissan cameras and image processing for driver assistance |
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| Nissan has in the past used its high-performance cameras and image processing technologies to help expand the driver’s view. For example, the first Around View Monitor provides ease of parking via a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings, creating composite images caught on four cameras to display a virtual 360-degree image of the vehicle, including the sides and rear of the car. |
| The Around View Monitor system has evolved from its initial introduction. When the driver must execute a blind corner turn, or when exiting a car park, the Front Wide View Function and Rear Wide View Function can provide the driver with a 180-degree view of the front and back of the vehicle on the monitor inside the car. |
| MOD (Moving Object Detection) informs the driver of moving objects detected near the car when maneuvering out of a parking space. The cameras placed on the front windscreen also contribute to other revolutionary safety technologies, including the Lane Departure Prevention system, which alerts the driver when the car unintentionally leaves the driving lane and helps the driver move the vehicle back into the lane. |
| The Emergency Brake System, detects a car in front of the vehicle also by cameras and alerts the driver with an in-vehicle audible and visual warning and if necessary, emergency brake is applied to help avoid an imminent collision. |
The Smart rearview mirror provides a wider and clearer view when compared to a standard mirror. The LCD monitor provides unobstructed images of the rear flanks, making traditional obstructions associated with traditional rearview mirrors, such as C-pillars, a non-issue. This helps the driver grasp the traffic conditions within the area in a much more efficient manner, Nissan said.
Rearward visibility from conventional rearview mirrors can be obstructed when there are tall passengers in the rear seats, or when luggage is stacked high in the rear compartment. However, with the Smart rearview mirror, rearward visibility is free from in-vehicle obstructions.
In addition, the Smart rearview mirror can provide a crisp clear image in a variety of environmental conditions including rain, snow, dawn and dusk. The high-quality camera and image processing system implemented in the LCD monitor consistently results in a clear image with minimal glare, even during sunrise or sunset conditions or when being followed by a vehicle with strong headlights.
The Smart rearview mirror is equipped with a newly developed high-performance, narrow-angle camera and a specially-shaped LCD monitor. Matching a standard wide angle camera lens to this monitor could not be done since the images from the camera, when adjusted to the special monitor size, produced a low-resolution image resulting in an insufficient picture quality. To rectify this challenge, a 1,300,000 pixel narrow-angle camera was developed so that picture quality would not be sacrificed when formatted for the specially designed monitor.
Also, conventional monitors possess an aspect ratio of 4:3 or 16:9, but these traditional-sized aspect ratios could not adequately be displayed in a rearview mirror. Therefore, an LCD monitor with a unique aspect ratio of approximately 4:1 was developed.
When the LCD monitor and mirror are used in unison, the transparency of the monitor and the reflection in the mirror can create an image overlap—a dual layered effect—making it difficult to get a clean view, but with the Smart rearview mirror, Nissan applied a unique technology to the structural design of the LCD monitor and the mirror, enabling it to function without any image overlaps.
Smart rearview mirror will give our customers the best possible view no matter how tall the passengers in the back seat, or the road conditions. It also offers the possibility of new and exciting designs for our upcoming models because Smart rearview mirror is an alternative to a very wide rear window for good visibility. We'll have the flexibility to create new shapes, and to further improve aerodynamics for better fuel efficiency.
—Andy Palmer, Chief Planning Officer and executive Vice President of Nissan
Nissan plans to implement the Smart rearview mirror in the ZEOD RC that is scheduled to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other NISMO race cars. Nissan is planning to introduce the Smart rearview mirror to global markets in 2015. The plan is to offer the product as a dealer option this spring in the Japanese market.
Good.
It looks like the are killing the side mirrors too, to judge from the illustration.
Posted by: Davemart | 28 February 2014 at 10:00 AM
Agreed, that would be a good thing and cut down on drag considerably. Plus lending that all-important 'futuristic' look to your vehicle :)
Side mirrors are pretty exxy to replace now that they're all electric and most have integrated turn signals, so getting rid of them could save some dollars in the event of a minor bingle.
Posted by: Biff | 28 February 2014 at 01:28 PM
Great idea, like a heads up display, you don't have to scan three mirrors.
Posted by: SJC | 28 February 2014 at 08:49 PM