Camera innovation makes trailers 'disappear'

Land Rover researchers have developed an innovative camera system that makes a trailer or caravan appear see-through when being towed, according to a report from the National Road Safety Partnership Program (NRSPP).

The ‘Transparent Trailer’ removes the blind spot created when towing and will make overtaking safer and help trailer manoeuvring by improving visibility.

The Cargo Sense App allows drivers to monitor the status of the trailer and cargo remotely via smartphone. Sensors on the floor of a trailer could alert the driver if the load is shifting or if a horse is in distress — reducing the potential for accidents and injuries.

The prototype Transparent Trailer system combines the video feed from 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 rear of the trailer or caravan. The video feeds are then combined to create the 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. 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 or manoeuvring, making towing safer and less stressful.”

When reversing, the driver would also 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 reverse both car and trailer.