Vision in Commercial Vehicles with Respect to Camera Monitor Systems

Abstract

Commercial vehicles show big improvement potentials for drivers when rear-view mirrors are replaced by Camera Monitor Systems. At the same time there is a wide range of specific requirements that have to be considered to reach successful integrations. This is because many use cases are unique and originate from how and when these large and often complex vehicles are utilized to transport goods or people. The present text summons information about a wide range of aspects that need to be considered when CMS is introduced in commercial vehicles. Important situations related to both driving and non-driving are described. It is explained how requirements should be established to secure that CMS will provide the same or a higher level of performance compared to traditional mirrors. Specific focus is put on needs for changed fields of view. When cameras and monitors are installed on the vehicles, it has to be remembered that drivers, as human beings, should still be able to cope with and understand the new system in a natural way. CMS can provide several benefits over the traditional mirrors, but there are nevertheless aspects that need to be handled differently. If they are considered, there is a big potential to improve driving situations significantly regarding both indirect and direct vision. In the future, developments can start from a new technical foundation which will facilitate a multitude of additional opportunities that could influence the driver environment, the driving task and the transport system, as we know it.