Digital exterior mirror Mirror, mirror—away with you

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FAULHABER Drive Systems

Conti presented its digital exterior mirror for the first time at the IAA Transportation trade fair. With its modular design, the system offers flexible configuration options for different commercial vehicles—also for retrofitting.

Anyone who regularly works with commercial vehicles is familiar with the typical challenges associated with conventional exterior mirrors. Restricted visibility, blocked fields of vision and blind spots not only pose a safety risk for drivers, but can also increase maintenance costs in workshops. In addition, high noise levels and poor aerodynamics often lead to increased fuel consumption.

Susceptibility to damage from knocks and bumps and the associated maintenance costs are additional aspects that both vehicle owners and workshops are well aware of. With this in mind, Continental presented its Proviu Mirror digital exterior mirror at the IAA Transportation trade fair, which addresses precisely these weak points.

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Camera with three megapixels

The digital vision system, which is available as both an original equipment and retrofit solution, offers a precise real-time view of the vehicle's surroundings. The cameras are based on LVDS technology (Low Voltage Differential Signaling), which, according to Conti, delivers a frame rate of 60 images per second. The image latency is less than 80 milliseconds - significantly faster than the values of 30 images per second and an image latency of 200 milliseconds prescribed by UN-ECE Regulation No. 46.

With a three-megapixel resolution, the camera can be used flexibly and can be adapted to different vehicle types. In addition, the extended field of vision allows drivers to adjust the settings individually while complying with legal regulations.

The displays, which show the camera image, are available in various sizes (10.0, 12.3 or 14.5 inches) and resolutions. With a brightness of at least 800 Cd/m and a contrast ratio of 1,000:1, the display devices can guarantee a clear view even in difficult lighting conditions. Thanks to its compact design and flexible power supply (9 to 32 volts), the digital mirror replacement system can be integrated into a wide range of commercial vehicles. Particularly relevant for workshops and car dealerships: Conti provides a configuration tool that facilitates the installation of the system and adapts it to the respective driving conditions. This offers flexibility when adapting to different vehicle types.

Versatile application possibilities

The modular system of the digital mirror offers a high degree of flexibility and numerous configuration options for different commercial vehicles. By using the same hardware and software for different applications, OEMs should not incur any additional R&D costs and retrofit customers should benefit from a cost-effective platform. The system can be customized according to mirror class and specific requirements. The following packages are possible:

• Mirror classes II/IV: one camera on each side of the vehicle; two monitors inside

• Mirror classes II/IV/V: one camera on the left, two cameras on the right side of the vehicle; three monitors inside with an additional monitor for mirror class V

• Mirror classes II/IV/V/VI—Option A: one camera on the left, two cameras on the right side of the vehicle and one camera at the front; three monitors inside, with the additional monitor showing classes V and VI on a split screen

• Mirror classes II/IV/V/VI—Option B: one camera on the left side, two cameras on the right side of the vehicle and one camera at the front; four monitors inside with one additional monitor each for classes V and VI

Additional driver assistance functions

The digital mirror system offers several functions that set it apart from conventional exterior mirrors and other camera-based vision systems. Starvis technology automatically adjusts the brightness of the display to the ambient light conditions. This is particularly practical in bad weather and at night, when visibility is poor anyway.

Strong light or backlighting can dazzle the driver. HDR technology is designed to ensure that both bright and dark areas of the picture remain clearly visible without important details being lost. In addition, the LFM (LED Flicker Management) function reduces the flickering of LEDs and ensures a clear image. The camera modules are also equipped with an integrated lens heater that reduces the effects of rain, ice and snow.

The system's high image frequency makes it possible to integrate additional functions for assistance systems (ADAS) via the integrated CAN interface. For example, the parking assistant expands the field of vision as soon as a reversing signal is received and adds parking guidance lines to make parking easier. The turning assistant enlarges the field of vision on the side into which the driver wants to turn as soon as the blinker is activated and switches on the camera blinker. It is also possible to transmit and display warning messages from the BSIS (Blind Spot Information System) to the digital mirror system.