Buzz
Nissan's Smart Rearview Mirror is the first LCD monitor of its kind, providing an enhanced view of what’s behind your car when you're driving, ensuring greater clarity and safety.
(Courtesy of Nissan)With camera systems in cars becoming more intricate and new federal regulations requiring all new cars to feature camera systems for added safety and visibility, some drivers find these systems complex and distracting. In some cases, these systems fail to offer enough improvement in rear visibility to be truly useful. While rear-view cameras and other auxiliary cameras have been welcomed as important tools for road safety, there is still significant room for improvement. Nissan aims to address these issues with its revolutionary Smart Mirror technology. Initially showcased at the 2014 Geneva Auto Show, Nissan plans to introduce this system as an option for Japanese models and anticipates global availability in 2015.
What sets the Nissan Smart Rearview Mirror apart from other rearview camera systems? It initially looks like a standard mirror, functioning just as expected under clear conditions with no obstructions in the rearview. However, when weather conditions worsen or the cargo space is packed to the brim, it may hinder rear visibility. In these situations, the driver can activate the Smart Mirror, switching from the regular mirror view to an LCD display within the mirror housing. This high-resolution camera, mounted on the rear window, provides an unobstructed view of what's behind and in the blind spots. The view appears on the LCD screen, replacing the traditional mirror while activated. Drivers can easily toggle between the standard mirror and the LCD screen using a simple control at the base of the mirror. This ease of use makes the Nissan Smart Mirror an ideal solution for those who may have previously hesitated to use high-tech mirror systems. With future federal regulations mandating camera systems in all new cars, this innovative Smart Mirror technology might be particularly appealing to those who are slower to adopt new technologies, potentially enhancing the Nissan brand's reach.
A Simpler Take on Rearview Cameras
The Nissan Smart Mirror is designed to avoid distractions for the driver by presenting information in a simple, intuitive format that's easy to use.
(Courtesy of Nissan)Although the Nissan Smart Mirror is the first of its kind, periphery camera systems in vehicles have been around for some time. While these systems have proven useful, the Smart Mirror offers distinct advantages, with the most notable being its simplicity. The additional viewpoints are displayed in a manner that drivers are already accustomed to — it looks just like a standard rearview mirror. Drivers don’t have to divert their attention to a screen on the dashboard or a floating image in front of the windshield. The Nissan Smart Mirror is designed to prevent driver distraction, with an easy-to-use, familiar display. The switch to activate the mirror is conveniently located on the mirror itself, so it can be accessed quickly without navigating complex menus or relying on voice commands like in other rear camera systems.
Nissan developed a custom camera specifically for the Smart Mirror system after discovering that existing components didn’t meet the system’s unique needs. The LCD monitor, for example, had to fit into a mirror housing, which differs significantly from the typical console-mounted screen. When images from a standard wide-angle camera were tested, the result was low-resolution images that didn't meet Nissan's standards. To address this, Nissan created a narrow-angle camera that provided the necessary size, shape, and resolution. They also designed a new LCD screen with the correct aspect ratio to display images properly. This ensures that the Smart Mirror system provides a wider, clearer view without obstructions, even in poor weather conditions or when typical visual blockers like tall passengers or C-pillars obstruct the view. It also performs well in challenging lighting situations, such as sunrise, sunset, or glare from headlights of other vehicles, and can handle situations where foggy windows or slush from the rear wiper might otherwise interfere with visibility.
The mirror itself complies with federal regulations in its standard form. When the camera is activated, the display generally resembles a regular mirror. However, an indicator in the top right corner of the screen clearly shows which view is currently in use, helping to minimize distractions and avoid confusion for the driver.
Progress Through Reflection
The Nissan ZEOD RC
(Courtesy of Nissan)The Nissan Smart Mirror made its U.S. debut at the 2014 New York Auto Show in April. During the same period, the system was honored with the 2014 Traffic Safety Achievement Award from the World Traffic Safety Symposium. This organization aims to recognize groundbreaking safety innovations in the automotive industry that have the potential to save lives. The system’s safety benefits have already earned recognition, even before becoming widely available.
The Nissan Smart Mirror offers even more advantages that haven't been fully explored yet. Nissan claims the system addresses various issues by opening up new possibilities. The Smart Rearview Mirror introduces new opportunities in car design, some of which aren’t immediately obvious. By eliminating concerns like C-pillar width that affect blind spots, designers gain more freedom to create innovative vehicles. But these changes aren’t just for the sake of novelty. Car design must balance driver visibility with aerodynamics, and when drivers can rely on other sources of visibility, the balance shifts. This could allow Nissan to create more aerodynamic vehicles, boosting fuel efficiency. To test this potential, the Smart Mirror will undergo real-world testing before becoming available in production cars. It will also be tested under high-pressure conditions in Nissan’s motorsports program, NISMO, as the Smart system is integrated into the ZEOD RC vehicle, which will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other races. The team is keen to assess both the aerodynamic benefits and the drivers' experience with the system on the track.
If Nissan’s new technology proves successful, it doesn’t mean traditional rearview cameras will disappear. In fact, the United States is set to mandate rearview cameras in all new cars by 2018 [source: Davies]. While Nissan hasn’t disclosed whether they will license this technology to other automakers, and no competitors have yet unveiled plans for a similar system, the Smart Mirror has the potential to become a popular option for meeting federal regulations. If it performs as intended—simple, efficient, and with minimal distractions—it could be a compelling choice for drivers and manufacturers alike.
