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Japan approves use of cameras in place of mirrors in cars

By Kenny Yeo - on 7 Jul 2016, 10:12am

Japan approves use of cameras in place of mirrors in cars

(Image source: Top Gear)

Japan has just become one of the first countries to approve the use of cameras in place of traditional mirrors in cars.

The use of cameras in place of mirrors isn't new. The Lamborghini Urus, which debuted as a concept in 2012, was one of the first cars to eschew traditional wing mirrors and instead use special cameras.

The new Cadillac CT6 sedan can also be spec'ed with a special digital rear-view camera. Once activated, it provides a wide angle view of the car's rear, and Cadillac even claims that it offers up to 300% more vision than a standard rear-view mirror. When it's turned off, the digital rear-view mirror reverts to being a regular rear-view mirror.

Cameras have numerous advantages over traditional mirrors. To begin, they can provide a wider angle of view, and this helps eliminate blind spots. They can also improve visibility by digitally enhancing images, thus reducing glare or brightening poor driving conditions.

Cameras can also be built to be smaller and more discreet than traditional mirrors. This can lead to improved styling and can also help reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency.

That said, industry insiders and experts believe that the transition to an all-camera setup will be gradual. 

Cost is one issue, another is allowing time for customers, who have become so used to mirrors, to adapt.

For example, drivers are used to adjusting their heads to change the view from the mirrors. With cameras, the image remains unchanged no matter how much a driver tilts his or her head.

In addition, the technology needs to prove itself to be dependable. With cameras, an electronic failure could prove fatal. Mirrors, on the other hand, just work.

Source: Autonews via Carscoops

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