Camera Monitor Systems Optimized on Human Cognition—Fundamentals of Optical Perception and Requirements for Mirror Replacements in Commercial Vehicles

Abstract

The way that fields of views are displayed is extremely important for finding a suitable replacement of the existing set of mirrors by Camera Monitor Systems (CMS). Especially in commercial vehicles, the great number of required mirrors (currently at least six pieces!) poses a great cognitive challenge to the driver. The smart method of image presentation in the CMS can provide marked relief to the driver and thus considerably improve safety. The key prerequisite for optimizing image presentation is to understand human perception and to derive therefrom the necessary requirements for the CMS. Before the driver turns their attention to an object, this object is normally detected in their peripheral field of view due to a change in optical flow. Current mirror systems for commercial vehicles violate this principle. The driver must specifically look at the mirror in order to be able to detect any objects inside. However, the possibility for peripheral discovery of objects at close ranges (wide-angle mirrors or close proximity mirrors) would be very beneficial and noticeably relieve the driver. It can be concluded that the single replacement of each individual mirror is not an expedient solution; instead, the focus should be placed on merging the different fields of view. The CMS of MAN Truck & Bus combines the fields of view from the main, wide-angle and close proximity mirrors and helps the driver keep track of their vehicle and the surrounding areas. Thus, the system improves safety by enabling drivers to see what is happening around them more quickly and accurately.