Camera system that eliminates blind spots, previewed in Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

Digital rearview mirrors that stream video from a rearview camera have been around for some time. Now, Zeeland, Michigan-based Gentex is ready to showcase the evolutionary potential of this technology.

Gentex specializes in auto-dimming rearview mirrors, and at the upcoming 2020 Consumer Electronics Show, the company plans to unveil a new digital rearview camera that integrates footage from two cameras covering a vehicle's blind spots.

In other words, instead of the warning lights provided by current blind spot monitors, Gentex's system will show images of the actual road and any objects that may be there, blocked by the blind spot. The Gentex system uses three cameras, one mounted on the side mirror and another on the rear edge of the roof. The system is being demonstrated in an Aston Martin DBS Superleggera.

The system has an auto-adjustment feature that changes the images from the cameras in each side mirror as the driver adjusts the mirror position. And while it will take some getting used to all the information displayed in the rearview mirror, it can be turned off as an option, in which case the rearview mirror acts like a standard auto-dimming mirror.

Gentex notes that because the system retains the standard side mirrors, it meets all existing safety regulations, unlike systems that completely replace the side mirrors with cameras. Additionally, the system can be adjusted to meet various regulatory vision requirements around the world by simply changing the video display mode, the company said.

Although Gentex has not yet announced production plans, Aston Martin has praised the technology and has indicated that the system may eventually be installed in its cars.

"The goal of this development program with Gentex is to implement a unique [camera monitoring system] solution that will ultimately enrich the Aston Martin driving experience for customers worldwide," said Simon Sproule, Aston Martin's chief marketing officer. Simon Sproule, Aston Martin's chief marketing officer, said in a statement.

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