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01/04/2005
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An intelligent mirror incorporating a CMOS camera with embedded imaging software eliminates the blind spot on articulated lorries, writes Roger Bishop. Fitted to the side of the vehicle opposite the driving position, it provides a clear view of the space on the side of the truck that is normally invisible to a driver as the vehicle negotiates bends.
In the UK alone in 2003 there were 4,467 injury accidents resulting from nearside accidents involving articulated lorries. Often these are the result of other road users assuming they can be seen when they are in fact totally outside the truck driver’s field of vision.
The TurnSafe mirror is the brainchild of Jason Perkes, who has set up a small development company in the UK with both government and private funding.
The mirror turns, tilts and slides forwards and backwards within its housing under control of the CMOS camera and its associated imaging processing software, which recognises the trailer and its angular position at any time. The mirror always provides a perfect view along the side of the vehicle.
The camera is supported by infra-red illumination for night or low light conditions and a dynamic range sensor that enables it to handle extremes of contrast. Two small electric motors rotate the mirror to the left and right and tilt it. The mechanism also allows the mirror element to slide backwards and forwards on a rack to maximise the driver’s view at all angles.
As a retrofit, power supplies are required for the mirror unit and the driver’s controller for setting the mirror’s basic, comfortable, position. No hard wiring is required between the mirror and controller, this being achieved by a low data rate wireless link.
It is tempting to ask why the TurnSafe concept is a superior solution to a CMOS camera mounted on the blind side of the vehicle with an in-cab screen. The answer lies in forthcoming legislation (2006) that will require trucks to have a rear view camera with a monitor in the cab. To combine this with a side view camera would be complex and may require either a further monitor in the cab or a capability for the driver to switch between views. An intelligent blindside mirror, on the other hand, is intuitive and simple to use with a rear-view camera/monitor set-up.
Perkes decided to launch his mirror initially to the aftermarket (at a cost of around €1090 per unit) to prove the technology to the industry. Tests on fleet trucks, including Sainsbury, have been highly successful and AVR Automotive is keen to develop relationships with the major suppliers and OEMs.
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Author
Roger Bishop
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