The camera on the roof frame and the display at the A-pillar replace the traditional rearview mirror and wide-angle lens, so the new Mercedes-Benz Actros is easy to recognize at first glance. The advantages of the new MirrorCam system are obvious: due to the improved aerodynamic performance, energy consumption is reduced, and traffic safety is also improved due to the widening of the field of view. But how does it work, what issues need to be considered in use, and does the driver need time to get used to the system? These issues need to be further considered.
What changes do drivers need to make in the face of the new system?
Previously, the rearview mirror and wide-angle lens covered most of the areas on the left and right sides of the A-pillar, but with the camera rearview mirror MirrorCam, the driver can now have a clear view. Especially at the junction, it has an advantage in maneuvers and tight turns. The driver no longer has to vigorously look to the rear of the vehicle to the right or left to observe the traffic situation. In addition, the rearview mirror is installed in a fixed position, so the driver may not see the end of the trailer when turning. In contrast, MirrorCam allows the image on the inside of the curve to be rotated so that the driver can always see the rear of the trailer. In principle, the system is set up for standard semi-trailers, but the rotation angle can be adjusted individually. This happens automatically when a modern trailer transmits its geometric data to the tractor. The driver can manually adjust the turning radius in the door operating unit using the side selection button and the four-way rocker switch.
What advantages does MirrorCam bring to users?
Improved aerodynamics can reduce fuel consumption: With MirrorCam, optimized wind resistance can save up to 1.5% of fuel.
Will dust and rain affect imaging?
Fog and dirt on the rear-view mirror glass and side windows have always been a problem. Due to the position of the camera above the vehicle, the small lens hood above the lens, the special coating, and the display that digitally transmits the image to the cab, fog and dust hardly affect the system. It is especially helpful in cold and humid conditions; the camera will automatically heat up at 15 degrees Celsius.
What are the advantages of the distance indicator line on the display?
The distance indicator line displayed on the display of the MirrorCam system can help the driver estimate the distance behind the truck. There are three fixed lines and an adjustable line on the display, which the driver can precisely adjust to mark the rear of the vehicle before starting to drive. Combined with the information displayed on the assist system display, the driver can now better evaluate three typical situations: when is there enough distance to move to the left? What is the distance behind the vehicle during maneuvering? What is the driver after overtaking? Is it safe to merge to the right again?
Will the camera system be affected at dusk or at night?
In the aftermath of dusk, MirrorCam even has an advantage. The light transmittance of the camera is very high. Therefore, the image displayed by the monitor is much brighter than natural light. Therefore, the driver can obtain better information about the surrounding environment than using traditional rear-view mirrors. In addition, the brightness can be steplessly adjusted to adapt to the current light conditions, so that the driver will not be dazzling. Mirrorcam works well in open roads and tunnels. If it is in complete darkness, MirrorCam can only display the area illuminated by the vehicle itself, but this situation is just like a regular rearview mirror. In order to maximize image information, the settings chosen by the developer may cause a bit of image noise.
Can the brightness of the display be adjusted?
Different perception conditions, different weather conditions and different times of the day, there are various reasons to adjust the brightness of the display. Brightness adjustment can be done only through the right touch screen display or the multi-function steering wheel. Both the left and right displays may need to adjust different brightness, you can access the virtual sliding controller through the menu "Display and Brightness -> Display Brightness -> MirrorCam".
Why is the image on the monitor not as clear as the smartphone?
This is determined by the way truck drivers are used to looking in the mirror, not the pixel density: MirrorCam’s screen is 15.2 inches (38.6 cm) long diagonally, which is roughly the same shape as previous mirrors. Therefore, size and size changes can be used to estimate the distance and speed of the vehicle to the rear. However: the pixel/inch ratio displayed by many modern smart phone displays is usually beyond the ability of the user"s eyes to distinguish. At the same time, because the mobile phone is in the user"s hand during normal use, the distance from the eye is very small, and the user can distinguish more details. . The MirrorCam display is farther away from people, and the greater the distance, the less details the eyes can distinguish. Therefore, MirrorCam does not need pixels similar to smartphones at all.
Another point: MirrorCam is a central security system, so it aims to improve reliability. It has successfully completed all specified registration procedures. According to today"s standards, smartphones may not be able to pass this type of registration.
Incorrect adjustment of the rearview mirror is potentially dangerous. What will happen to MirrorCam?
For traditional rearview mirrors, it follows a simple physics principle that is: "The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection." This means that every time the driver changes their sitting posture, the area they can see also changes. This is fundamentally different from MirrorCam. It is the combination of the camera/screen that the driver can always see the same image no matter what sitting posture he is in. The field of view can also be set separately using the operating unit in the door. The advantage of MirrorCam is: if the driver adjusts the field of view to not comply with the legal requirements, the display will give a prompt, which is not possible with traditional rearview mirrors. Press and hold the function button to quickly restore MirrorCam to standard settings.
How well do people who wear glasses adapt to the monitor? Can they wear sunglasses while driving?
Anyone wearing glasses can easily view the MirrorCam display. In addition, because the display is located on the A-pillar, you can see the flow of traffic behind you without having to look left or right. However, people who wear glasses may have difficulty adapting to new perspectives and distances. In this case, the first question first is: Are the glasses you are wearing suitable for your eyes? Our field of vision changes gradually, and the initial changes are often ignored and accepted by people. Any problems that people who wear glasses encounter with MirrorCam are usually related to inappropriate glasses, not the system. Whether you are sitting at a desk or behind a steering wheel, one thing also applies: glasses must be suitable for the workplace! Sunglasses are usually not a problem, but the change in light perception depends largely on the quality of the sunglasses. Regardless of whether you are using a traditional rearview mirror or a camera rearview mirror MirrorCam, sunglasses always have advantages and disadvantages.
Why is it difficult for some drivers to reverse in a straight line when they start using MirrorCam?
When reversing, MirrorCam provides two views: In the standard setting, the large main display shows the immediate area around the truck, while the lower part shows the surrounding environment further away. This view proves its value especially when the driver reverses around a curve. However, it is best to disable this function when the driver is reversing in a straight line. The operation is very simple, just use the button in the door operating unit. Therefore, compared with traditional rearview mirrors, the use of MirrorCam for manipulation provides more possibilities. Therefore, it takes a while to adapt to this system. Moreover, the camera is located farther away from the outer edge of the vehicle than the traditional rearview mirror, so when the car is reversed in a straight line, you can see more than the traditional rearview mirror. It also takes time to get used to and start to browse the two displays alternately. Because compared with the traditional rearview mirror system, after watching only one of the MirrorCam displays, some drivers will initially feel subjectively that they are driving in a straight line even if they are driving at a certain angle when reversing.
How does the camera rearview mirror MirrorCam and Sideguard Assist work together?
When there is a danger of collision, Sideguard Assist can remind the driver to pay attention to stationary or moving objects and people in the monitoring area on the right side of the truck, thereby providing support to the driver. The MirrorCam display shows these warnings in visual form. Therefore, the driver can receive all the integrated information in one place.
Can the MirrorCam still work when the engine is off?
When the driver is resting in the cab, the engine is turned off, and the curtains are drawn, they can activate the camera system for 2 minutes by using the switch on the side of the bed and on the passenger side. Therefore, the driver can see the area around the vehicle and can detect any suspicious activity involving the truck or its load in time. When the door is opened, the system will automatically start, so it is very safe to get off at any time.