An Industry First: Smart Rearview Mirror Technology by Nissan
Posted by:
Jennifer Morand
Nissan Senior Manager of Product Planning Tony Baehner addressed the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) last week to share highlights of Nissan’s Smart Rearview Mirror (SRVM) technology. While backup cameras and around-view monitors have been available for some time, Nissan’s SRVM technology takes the place of a conventional rearview mirror and is an industry first.
So, what sets it apart? A high-resolution camera is mounted on the rear of the vehicle to provide a clear image to the monitor (rearview mirror), giving the driver an unobstructed view to the rear and allowing more time to check blind spots and focus on traffic. The biggest difference between a traditional backup camera and the SRVM technology are the location of the camera (backup cameras and around-view monitors are positioned low whereas the Smart Rearview Mirror camera is mounted higher) and the viewing angle provided by the monitor.
One may ask, “What’s wrong with just a plain rearview mirror? Do I really need a rearview mirror in LCD quality?” While the LCD screen is absolutely crisper and clearer, the SRVM gives an unobstructed view to the rear (think rear-seat headrests and rear-seat passengers) and provides a wider field of view compared to a conventional rearview mirror. Additionally, the technology improves visibility in a variety of environmental conditions such as nighttime driving, rain, dusk and dawn. Drivers can easily flip back and forth from the traditional rearview mirror and the SRVM, with just a switch of a button.
The SRVM technology was first introduced at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show this past March. While Nissan has not yet confirmed if or when the SRVM technology will appear on U.S. vehicles, Baehner confirmed it will hit Japan first. Guess we’ll have to wait and see…
Would you choose the SRVM as a technology package upgrade? Comment below or tweet us @ChiAutoShow.
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