Land Rover is developing a see-through trailer concept that would completely remove the blindspot created when towing a caravan or trailer. This transparent view would allow the driver to see vehicles coming up behind and help driver confidence by improving visibility whilst manoeuvring.
This ‘transparent trailer’ prototype system combines the video feed of the vehicle’s existing surround camera system, which includes the reversing camera and a camera on each wing mirror, with a video from a digital wireless camera that is placed on the back of the trailer or caravan.
The video feeds are then combined to create live video images that make the trailer behind appear see-through. When the trailer is coupled to the towing car, the live video feed would automatically appear in the rear view mirror inside the vehicle. Dr Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology, Jaguar Land Rover, said, “when you are overtaking, it is instinctive to check your mirrors, but if you are towing your vision is often restricted with large blind spots.
“Our transparent trailer project is researching how we could offer a view out of the vehicle unrestricted by your trailer, no matter what its size or shape. The system offers a very high quality video image with no distortion of other cars or obstructions,” he added.
“This means the driver would have exactly the right information to make safe and effective decisions when driving or manoeuvring, making towing safer and less stressful,” he explained. Furthermore, when reversing, the driver would be able to view the camera feed from the back of the caravan or trailer through the infotainment screen, with guidance lines calibrated to help reserve both car and trailer.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it just did. This system also has a ‘Cargo Sense’, which is an in-car trailer monitoring system that is designed to optimise cargo loading for safer towing. This system combines a remote video camera inside the trailer and a mat of pressure sensors on the floor, that both link wirelessly to the towing vehicle. So, customers can check on their cargo to see if its moving around. In the event of any anomaly, a ‘Check Cargo’ warning can be sent to the dashboard to alert the driver, with live footage from the camera inside the trailer.
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In my knowledge, Samsung had the thing as a concept first.
Here’s a fun fact: Dr. Wolfgang Epple was formerly a Senior Director of Operations at Proton. Effectively a No.2 at Proton just below DSZ.