BMW Automakers are working on replacing rear view and side view mirrors in vehicles with camera monitoring systems during times to come. Japanese automakers have already obtained approvals to manufacture vehicles without mirrors, and European car makers are expected to follow suit soon.
The monitoring systems will make use of cameras to stream high-resolution video to a display inside the vehicle.
For instance, in the BMW i8 concept car, a camera is placed on either side of the car where a side view mirror is usually located. These cameras, which are noticeably smaller than normal side view mirrors, capture footage around the sides of the car.
A third camera positioned inside the rear window also captures footage whatever is behind the car.
Software in the vehicle then stitches all of the video footage together to show a wide view of the car’s surroundings. This video stream is shown on a display located where a rearview mirror would typically be located.
BMW’s i8 Mirrorless concept car can even show the driver warnings in the display if the cameras and other sensors detect potential threats or obstacles.
BMW and other automakers favour the adoption of camera systems since they provide a wider view to the driver, which helps eliminate blind spots. In addition, the bulky side mirrors can be done away with so that the cars would become more aerodynamic.
