United States Department of Transportation
i
Examination of a Prototype Camera Monitor System for Light Vehicle Outside Mirror Replacement
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2018-10-01
[PDF-5.30 MB]
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Edition:Final Report
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Abstract:This report describes the examination of a prototype side camera monitor system (CMS) used in lieu of outside rearview mirrors on a light vehicle to learn about the technology and related issues as NHTSA considers whether to revise FMVSS No. 111 to permit such technologies as an alternative compliance option. A 2016 Audi A4 equipped with a prototype CMS was obtained for a 4-week period and operated in daylight and darkness, in stationary and dynamic movement conditions, and dry and rainy conditions. The examination was guided both by relevant portions of existing FMVSS No. 111, “Rear Visibility,” and existing and pending European standards for camera monitor systems. The examination focused on the quality of visibility provided by the system and comparison with traditional outside mirrors under similar conditions. The prototype CMS exceeded the rear visibility field of view requirements of FMVSS No. 111, as is the case with most installed outside rearview mirrors on vehicles sold in the United States. However, the wider field of view presented in a surface area like that of a standard outside rearview mirror caused minification of objects rendering them narrower and more difficult to discern. While display glare caused by sunlight was a foreseen issue, only minimal such glare was observed. CMS image clarity was good, comparable to that of outside rearview mirrors. Visibility was especially good during dusk and dawn conditions when the displayed areas appeared brighter than would be seen with traditional mirrors. Aspects of the prototype system’s performance that may be cause for concern included excessive blooming and lens flare from headlights of other traffic at night that exceeded that permitted in the related ISO standard. Other issues included image obscuration due to water droplets remaining on the camera lens while driving and high display brightness that in dark driving conditions may glare and annoy drivers, as well as make discerning of forward objects more difficult. It is currently unclear whether these issues may be adequately remedied in a cost-effective manner. One significant unknown with this new technology is how well drivers may acclimate to the new display type and typically lower, interior mounting location for the electronic displays. The prototype CMS display viewing angle was approximately 12° lower than a traditional mirror location, which may be somewhat disorienting for drivers at least for some initial period.
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Content Notes:Mazzae, E. N., Baldwin, G. H. S., & Andrella, A. T. (2018, October). Examination of a prototype camera monitor system for light vehicle outside mirror replacement (Report No. DOT HS 812 582). Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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