Rearview mirrors haven't changed all that much since 1908, when the Argus dash mirror ("Car smashed -- friend hurt? See what's coming next time") was sold to motoring enthusiasts.
But the lowly mirror finally may be on the way out. Several suppliers are developing digital mirrors -- that is, cameras that would replace rearview mirrors.
Panasonic displayed such a system in January at the Detroit auto show, although company executives were reluctant to offer many details.
And now Continental AG has gone public with its digital mirrors, which it is showing to potential customers. "We have some requests for" bids, said Marc Simon, Continental's project manager for mirror replacement. "We are showing it to customers."
Continental's setup envisions two cameras placed where the side mirrors normally would be, with a third camera integrated into the GPS antenna on the roof.
These cameras would have a narrower field of vision and a longer range -- up to 650 feet or so -- than the backup cameras in use today.
Inside the vehicle, the camera images are displayed on two screens on the A-pillars, and the conter console screen shows a stitched-together image from all three cameras.
According to Simon, the cameras:
- Eliminate blind spots.
- Filter out glare from the sun or headlights.
- Improve the motorist's night vision.
- Are less susceptible than mirrors to dirt and grime.
- Improve fuel economy, because mirrorless vehicles are more aerodynamic.
