As mirrors go digital, there's a lot more than meets the eye

May 17, 2023

Published: 2 days ago

Machinery and Shop

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Rear-view mirrors. They’re a standard accessory on virtually every car and truck since about the time of the Model A Ford, and now they’re standard on many ag machines too. They’re about the simplest technology you’ll find on modern equipment — basically glass and plastic. But many manufacturers are now abandoning, or at least offering an alternative to, that simple system in favour of something much more complex: digital rear-view monitors that rely on camera images.

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For years now, many new vehicles have included optional backup cameras, which typically display their images on in-dash infotainment screens. But now manufacturers, such as Ford, have begun putting those digital rear-view images right where we used to find the old-fashioned mirror. Its new Transit van is among the models to get a digital mirror as an available option.

Ford says the digital mirrors can put regular mirror images to shame. "The digital rear-view mirror features a high-definition monitor that displays a panoramic view of the area behind the van, allowing drivers to spot cyclists, pedestrians and other vehicles, even when a bulkhead, cargo, passengers or windowless rear doors are in the way," stated a press release.

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While equipping a truck with digital mirrors may add yet one more complex electrical component that could fail over time, not to mention adding to the purchase cost, the digital mirrors really do far more than a regular glass mirror ever could.

The 2023 Ram pickups come with an available, selectable digital rear-view mirror option too, which offers a few different modes. Switch from the standard rear mirror image to regular digital rear-view, split screen (which shows views along both sides of the truck) tri-view tow mode (showing both sides and what's behind the trailer) and tow mode. Tow mode allows for mounting a camera on the back of a trailer to see directly behind the trailer as well as down both sides of the truck.

GM has also been offering a system that allows for a camera mounted on the rear of a trailer to give the driver a view directly behind, making the trailer look invisible to the driver.

When it comes to the big rigs, digital mirrors are starting to become a thing too. As truck brands stretch the bounds of aerodynamic design to improve that all-important fuel economy for over-the-road trucks, removing regular side mirrors, or significantly reducing their size, and replacing them with digital rear-view monitors mounted on the A-pillars inside the cab reduces drag.

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Paccar's Kenworth has done just that, making digital mirrors an option on the new T680 tractor units. The company claims that can reduce fuel consumption by 1.5 per cent. Kenworth adds there's a safety element to them as well. The high-definition images are positioned closer to the driver than conventional exterior mirrors, so it helps drivers keep their eyes on the road. And just like those from other manufacturers, the images displayed on these digital monitors offer much more capability than old-fashioned glass types do.

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When turning, one problem for semi drivers is a regular mirror may only show the front part of the side of the trailer as it follows the tractor around a corner, which isn't very useful. The digital mirror can be set to track the rear of the trailer, giving drivers a constant view behind. That also helps when backing on an angle, such as performing an alley dock or blindside backing manoeuvre, as the mirrors continually track the rear of the trailer, which is the view that actually helps drivers avoid a collision.

The Kenworth mirror also includes infrared sensors, and the camera lens repels dust and water to help maintain a clear image in all weather conditions — something that obscures many typical rear-view cameras on today's passenger vehicles. And they reduce the blind spot areas and provide much improved night vision.

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Contributor

Scott Garvey is a freelance writer and video producer. He is also the former machinery editor at Grainews.

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