Why Digital Rear-View Mirror is the Best Fit for Modern-Day Cars

Why Digital Rear-View Mirror is the Best Fit for Modern-Day Cars

A Digital rear-view mirror (also commonly referred to as e-mirror) is a camera-based mirror system that has been considered as an alternative to the conventional automotive rear-view mirrors. These new age mirrors pave the way for a smooth driving experience, with several advantages over the commonly used rear-view mirrors.

With the advancement of technology and continuous evolution of automotive parts, the digital rear-view mirror has been welcomed as a highly useful alternative.

Components of an E-mirror

Majority of e-mirrors are a combination of a camera mounted at the back of the car and the conventional rear-view mirror, working together as a unit. The conventional rear-view mirror also acts as a screen in most cars, whereas in others, there is a separate screen that broadcasts the image captured by the camera.

 

A new technology called the camera monitor system or CMS has been incorporated with the traditional rear-view mirrors to provide camera-captured images on in-vehicle displays. The captured image is digitized and displayed in the screen inside the car. In-vehicle e-mirror displays are less vulnerable to extreme weather conditions as there is no direct contact between the two.

A very low-latency image is broadcast by the camera, to one or two OLED touch screens inside the car. Furthermore, the driver can easily adjust the cameras manually from the screens. With a simple click on the screen, the digital rear-view mirror can be adjusted to view higher or lower, left or right.

Let’s have a look at some of the advantages of a digital rear-view mirror:

1. Improved Vision – With advanced CMS and high-definition cameras, e-mirrors provide a wider view. The conventional rear-view mirror has a larger region of blind spots. Fortunately, the digital rear-view mirror significantly reduces the number of blind spots when driving.

   Since the camera is mostly located above the license plate, digital rear-view mirrors offer at least a 100° field of vision. As a bonus, they also capture the lower region behind the car. The image vision extends to a point that is very low as compared to a conventional rear-view mirror. This feature lets the driver have a clear idea of the objects behind the vehicle while reversing. Since these mirrors are effective in low light as well, they provide better parking perfection.

2. Scalability – The set of features laid down by ADAS, can scale in conjunction with the functionalities of e-mirrors, i.e., up to ADAS Level 2 functionality.
3. Reduced Cost for Lesser Fuel Consumption – Side mirrors on commercial vehicles are used as important safety elements. However, side mirrors are mounted outside the vehicle. The position of these mirrors affects forward visibility. Another setback is the significant magnitude of aerodynamic drag they cause since they hold back the vehicle from having a streamlined shape. The digital rear view mirror system replaces the large side mirrors with interior monitors and external cameras that are mounted outside the vehicle. This results in a sleeker design of the vehicle and reduced aerodynamic drag.  This consequently reduces fuel consumption by around two percent and aids to reduce cost.
4. Versatile Nature – A digital rear-view mirror functions perfectly in all weather conditions. Since the camera is mounted outside the vehicle, it can display a clear image of the road. This is possible even on a foggy or rainy day because of high-end-heated camera functions. However, these mirrors might get in direct contact with rain or snow or fog. But as they process the image digitally on a different screen, the visibility remains unaffected.
5. Enhanced Safety – The safety factor comes as a result of better vision and versatility. E-mirrors give a more comprehensive perspective of what’s going on behind the car. E-mirrors play a vital role in ensuring safety by calculating the distance between vehicles and providing a good estimate of how much distance should be maintained.

   Some cars have e-mirrors that come with a technology of image sensors. An image sensor comes in very handy when other vehicles directly project their headlights on the windscreen.  Since a digital rear-view mirror runs as a display from a camera, it’s feed can be manipulated or enhanced according to the preference of the driver. Be it reduced glare, or automatic adjustments to contrast, an e-mirror comes with all kinds of functionalities.

6. Improved Ergonomics – Since an e-mirror provides a well-defined set of functionalities, it suits all driving conditions. A conventional rear-view mirror may not serve its purpose if there are any obstructions that block the view from inside the vehicle. This issue is mitigated by a digital rear-view mirror. It minimizes the strain on both driver and passengers, ensuring comfort while driving.

Conclusion

Digital rear-view mirrors are the future of commercial and personal vehicles. Although the cost factors of installing them on a large scale might look daunting, the technology behind these mirrors is a blessing. With an all-round set of enhanced features and ADAS – L2 functionalities, e-mirrors ease the entire driving process, making it more comfortable and effortless.

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