What is a surround view car system and how to install it
Content
The reduction in the cost of small-sized solid-state video cameras and a multiple increase in the performance of digital video signal processing systems made it possible to install all-round viewing complexes on relatively inexpensive cars.
The principle itself is simple - each side of the body is watched by its own camera of the four available, after which the information is processed and can be displayed on a high-resolution color display in the form of a single picture, or separately.
Why you need an Around View Monitor (AVM) system in your car
The system grew out of parking complexes, which initially projected on the screen the situation in areas not controlled by mirrors.
The most popular is the rear view camera, which automatically turns on when reverse gear is selected. In conjunction with ultrasonic parking sensors, the equipment will greatly facilitate reverse maneuvering, preventing collision with obstacles. Including showing the trajectory of the wheels with a given instantaneous position of the steering wheel.
A full 360-degree view will increase the amount of incoming video information, which will further assist the driver:
- such an extended view is especially important for SUVs, allowing you to track the situation with the road terrain, compare it with the possibilities of the geometry of the body and suspension, and protect the panels from damage;
- there are always sectors in the car that are not visible from the driver's seat, especially when, for safety reasons, the glazing line is overestimated and the body pillars grow in size, the cameras will solve this problem;
- the picture can be further processed by sending a signal through local and global interfaces to smartphones and tablets of the driver, who may not be in the car;
- information is registered and stored if this function is enabled, this solves possible legal issues in criminal situations and road accidents;
- wide-angle cameras collect much more information, having a larger field of view than a person;
- digital processing allows you to provide additional features, such as a 3D picture, automatic detection of moving objects, and much more.
Principle of operation
With a set of four wide-angle cameras in the side mirrors, front grille and trunk side, you can create different modes of operation.
The output of the rear view camera signal when maneuvering in reverse gear and 360-degree view, when all information is simultaneously displayed, can be considered automatic. With manual control, the driver has the ability to turn on any of the cameras with the maximum resolution.
Having a memory card, you can enable the mode of automatic sequential filling of it with streaming video or turn it on when moving objects are detected.
It is allowed to use the memory of mobile devices via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi interfaces, cloud storage or servers.
What is the difference between non-standard all-round visibility systems from standard ones
AVM systems, fitted as standard on a vehicle or more often as an option, are well-matched to work with all other electronic equipment in the vehicle and do not require additional care.
At the same time, they usually do not differ in complexity and versatility, if we are not talking about expensive premium cars. With an optional installation, as a rule, such systems are unreasonably expensive, this is a general trend in additional equipment of the model when ordering a complete set.
A non-standard set can be purchased relatively inexpensively, it can have the most unexpected service functions, and there will be fewer problems during repairs. Reliability is ensured by the choice of a specific manufacturer, in contrast to the regular one, where this choice is made by a large company for economic reasons.
Installation of a non-standard system does not present insurmountable difficulties and is fully mastered by car service specialists. The necessary kits are widely available. They work regardless of speed, unlike regular ones.
Most popular aftermarket systems
There are several systems by manufacturing companies.
Spark 360
The kit from a Russian manufacturer can operate in 2D and XNUMXD top view modes from various points. Good picture detail, works in low light.
Compatible with standard media platforms, allows you to shape the appearance of the selected car, including color. Supports multiple makes and models of vehicles via CAN bus. It has a choice of several options for equipment, differing in price.
Fully Russified interface, communication via HD channel. Capture of standard parking sensors and built-in multi-channel video recorder. Remote control, suitable for trucks.
Prime-X
Budget kits made in China. You can use options of different performance, composing the system. The kit contains all the necessary wiring, fasteners and system modules. Limited image quality due to simplicity and low cost of construction.
my way
Also a budget sector, but the filling is more perfect and reliable. The resolution is satisfactory, the video processor is powerful enough. The kit is easy to install and set up. There is a video recorder function.
Gas 360
There are different options for specific car models. All provide the usual Helicopter View, Smart Zoom View modes, when one of the cameras is preferred, security and parking.
The cameras are protected, broadband with a 180-degree view. Four-channel video recorder. There is a shock sensor and a remote control. The price range is average.
incar
Almost the same as the Gazer 360. It also has a universal or special design for a car. The display is not supplied, communication with standard parking sensors is not provided. In the minimum configuration is inexpensive.
Of the shortcomings - incompatibility with universal cameras, only its own format.
Installing a surround view system with Aliexpress
Installation consists of mounting the cameras in a circle, usually in the side mirror housings, grille and trunk area. Sometimes the kit includes cutters for drilling holes.
It is important to correctly lay the wiring, especially at the transition from the doors to the body. Cables are protected by corrugated tubes.
The electronic unit is mounted in a place protected from the influence of the standard interior heater. All necessary signal wires according to the specification are brought to the connectors of the multimedia device.
The installation is completed by calibrating the cameras according to special contrast templates laid out around the car. Calibration in this case is carried out automatically. Finally, the borders are adjusted manually.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage is providing the driver with video information that cannot be obtained in other ways. Up to creating the illusion of a transparent body, including the engine compartment.
An additional advantage is a significant expansion of the DVR coverage area, the entire space around the car is monitored, and the fixation can be turned on automatically, and the data is saved in different ways.
Among the shortcomings, one can single out the significant price of high-quality multifunctional systems, as well as the habit of drivers to blindly trust the picture on the monitor.
This can sometimes be a problem in a critical situation, and the availability of systems is constantly increasing as the price decreases and the performance of hardware components and software improves.
