This idea of Suzuki The idea of replacing mirrors with rear-view cameras has already been explored in prototypes for several decades. But obviously, this technology was not as accessible as it is now. So, Suzukiin collaboration with the electronics specialist Tokai Rikacould be about to change this situation with a new rear camera system specifically for motorcycles.
Interestingly, this time the system is not intended as a direct replacement for conventional mirrors, but rather as a safety accessory that allows the driver to see at a glance what is in their blind spot. The aim is for the relevant image to be clearly visible on a small screen, located behind the user or over their shoulder.
Although removing mirrors could improve aerodynamics and styling, as seen in electric cars, there are still legislative barriers in many parts of the world. In addition, mirrors and human vision still offer advantages over cameras, as they allow the field of view to be adjusted by moving the head.
This is how the Suzuki rear view camera works
Suzuki’s system aims to overcome these challenges by using a rear-mounted wide-angle camera. This captures a wide view, but because of the amount of information, the image on the TFT screen can be difficult to interpret.
But to solve this problem, Suzuki’s patent proposes automatically cropping the crucial section of the camera image based on the driver’s actions. For example, the screen could show an expanded view of the road behind the driver when traveling straight ahead, and switch to the corresponding blind spot view when a turn signal is activated.
The patent also suggests that the zoom level and focus area could be manually adjusted using buttons on the handlebars or set automatically, providing a clear and customized view of the rear environment. Additionally, the camera image is reversed to complement the view provided by the mirrors.
There are already motorcycles with rear view cameras like the exclusive Norton V4SV, which displays the image on its TFT instrument panel, below the tachometer and speedometer. However, front and rear cameras are undoubtedly becoming more common in the Chinese market, although they are designed to record rather than provide live views.
