Electronic reflectors for driving safety

In the new era of rapid logistics and transportation development, the world's major commercial vehicle manufacturers are improving the fuel economy of their vehicles while increasing the number of configurations such as ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) and LDWS (Lane Departure Warning System) in order to improve the active safety of their vehicles. In addition, many manufacturers have also begun to shift their attention to improving the safety of the vehicle's blind spot vision.

Europe:

Starting in May 2019, Mercedes-Benz will put the fifth generation of the Active Drive Assist system into volume assembly in the new ACTROS model series. In addition to this assistance system, the Sideguard Assist system is also fitted.

The system is based on a combination of cameras and radar monitoring equipment on both sides of the driver's cab, and the MirrorCam electronic reflector fixed to the A-pillar clearly shows the changes in road conditions on both sides of the vehicle as it travels.

In 2017 Volvo showed hybrid concept trucks with I-see driver assistance system, also with electronic rearview mirror configuration, and exterior styling with bionic principles to effectively reduce the wind resistance coefficient.

In 2020 Volvo Trucks Europe will introduce an electronic rearview mirror configuration for the revised FM and FH ranges. This means that the existing active safety systems will have an even greater combined advantage with electronic mirrors.

North America:

Since 2017, the United States, where the logistics and transportation industry is well developed, has entered the development process of new energy commercial vehicles, and the electric trucks represented by Nikola and Tesla, in addition to improving battery range, will likewise adopt electronic reflectors with low wind resistance design in future production models.

Asia: 

UD's (Nissan) 202X-themed QUON Concept Truck, with its novel low-wind-resistance exterior design also incorporates electronic mirrors, and the cameras on both sides of the cab feature a more accurate low-wind-resistance design.  

From the official photos of the interior you can see that the center console still adopts the wrap-around design of the UD series models, the traditional buttons are replaced by a touch screen, and the same instrument panel also adopts an LCD design.

It is worth mentioning that the car's reflectors are not designed on both sides of the A-pillar like other brand models, but are placed at both ends of the center console. Improve the driver's emergency response to vehicles and pedestrians on both sides.

 ISUZU (Isuzu) has also launched the FL-IR self-driving vehicle model, which is a milestone in the development of commercial vehicles in Japan. It provides a solution to the issue of Japan's aging population. This vehicle model uses electronic mirrors to provide high safety for vehicles in autonomous driving situations.

In addition to the GIGA mainstay heavy-duty trucks and concept models, the ISUZU brand models have also introduced the new generation ELF EV (electric) model.

The model's center grille adopts an environmentally friendly blue theme, and the electronic reflector fixed to the A-pillar's outer pendulum is also a highlight of the model, which plays an indispensable role in improving the vehicle's range compared to the wind resistance coefficient of the traditional pendulum mirror.  

From the main driver's position you can see the mirror of the reflector used in the car is divided into two parts, the lower small size position can be clearly seen in the blind spot position, improving the safety of the vehicle in the complex urban road conditions in the area.

In early October 2019, Dongfeng Commercial Vehicles launched the new generation of Tianlong and Tianjin concept trucks on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Both models feature a streamlined design with a low wind resistance coefficient, and they utilize the most cutting-edge design of electronic reflectors.

The mirrors of these two models are designed with a split screen, effectively compensating for the safety driving problems caused by blind spots.

The mirrors of both models are designed with a split screen, effectively compensating for driving safety problems caused by blind spots.

Measures to compensate for blind field vision in Chinese trucks:

Although the electronic reflector has not yet entered the batch assembly stage, but in the reality of highway transportation often see the truck door position affixed with "vision blind spot, distance 2m" warning signs.

The vehicle also comes with a beeping alarm or a voice prompt for pedestrians to stay away during turns, maximizing driving safety as much aspossible.

Of course in addition to the warning methods as above, there is a more advanced electronic blind spot radar monitoring system. Including indoor display, monitoring probe, turn warning lights, and four radar wave monitoring equipment. Effectively improve the turning process of safe driving needs.

The Future of Commercial Vehicle Safety:

In the short term, it seems that electronic mirrors will play an indispensable role in the future development of road transportation in order to reduce driver fatigue, improve fuel economy and active safety. Of course, from concept to reality, it is still necessary for commercial vehicle companies to evaluate the reliability, economy and stability of the system.