Digital mirrors were one of the big talking points at the IAA trade fair with MAN showing the system fitted to a Neoplan Cityliner [routeone/18 July/Big Story].
It was the first opportunity that operators had to see the system at a major trade show, and was arousing great interest.
The system replaces the conventional mirrors with an external multi-camera system. TFT displays, the size of mirrors, are fitted inside the coach on the A-pillar, where you would look to see an external mirror.
Additionally, the MAN system has a central display that combines images from all cameras to give a ‘bird’s eye’ 360-degree view – particularly useful when manoeuvring.
Other manufacturers were showing digital mirrors fitted to trucks and an aftermarket supplier targeting retro fits, with a full-size demo showing additional information that could be incorporated.
Digital mirrors have been made possible by changes to EU legislation, that has been adopted by the UK.
As well as giving better vision, especially at night, they also mean that expensive and damage-vulnerable external mirrors are eliminated.
It appears likely that the take up could be more rapid than reversing cameras, due to the whole-life cost savings.
