New BMW ‘Digital Side Mirrors’ Patent Poised To Eliminate Blind Spots For Good

Patents of a brand-new camera-based side mirror system BMW has surfaced online and it aims to eliminate blind spots brought on by a car's bodywork. Theoretically, this tech should eliminate blind spots for good.

The patent filed with the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) describes how the Bavarian marque intends to use multiple cameras to create a synthesised rearview mirror image that allows drivers to see through the bodywork of your car.

This largely differs from traditional 360-degree camera systems given its reliance on rear-facing cameras that give a better perspective of the surroundings.

Adding to that, it proposes using multiple rear-facing camera angles and enhanced processing power to stitch together high-quality panoramic views devoid of blind spots. Key benefit to this will be easier reverse parking, especially in big cars or SUVs like the 7 Series or X7 for instan

The patent sees BMW mounting cameras in the position of each wing mirror and a third rear-facing camera at the back. All three images are then fed to a processing unit, which will stitch each view to create a single panoramic view that can then be projected either on a screen or a digital mirror housing in the traditional wing mirror position.

For example, from the driver’s side mirror view, the rear of the car could be shown in an outline as a means of positioning it while still being able to see what's behind it. This is due to a portion of the image being computer generated, hence certain elements could be made semi-transparent.

Beyond passenger cars, this new system’s potential ability to virtually eliminate blind spots will be especially helpful in commercial vehicles too, especially in situations where rear- or rear-view mirrors simply won’t cut it.

At present, there is no definite timeline as to when BMW will put this system into its production cars. However, the prospects of which are exciting indeed. Wouldn’t you agree, folks?