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Researchers at Land Rover have just announced the development of an innovative camera system that makes a trailer appear see-through when being towed. The technology, which is reminiscent of Land Rover’s invisible bonnet and invisible door pillars, is called Transparent Trailer.
The feature employs a digital wireless camera that is placed on the rear of the trailer. The view from the trailer mounted camera is then combined with the view from the vehicle’s other rear view cameras - which includes the regular reversing camera and a camera on each side mirror. The combined view removes the blind spot created when towing, which will make passing safer and maneuvering and backing of trailers infinitely easier.
Additionally, the “Cargo Sense” App makes it possible to monitor the status of the trailer and cargo remotely via smartphone, even if the vehicle is off and you are away from it. If the the load is shifting, sensors on the floor of the trailer would detect that and alert the driver to the problem, reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Land Rover will be demonstrating a prototype in a Range Rover research vehicle at the Burghley Horse Trials, 3rd - 6th September.
Says Jaguar Land Rover Director of Research and Technology, Dr Wolfgang Epple, “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. Our prototype system offers a very high quality video image with no distortion of other cars or obstructions. This means the driver would have exactly the right information to make safe and effective decisions when driving.”
Land Rover has released a rather nifty concept video showing how it all works. Complete with an early model Range Rover on the trailer.
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