I guess this explains why Tesla hired a lobbyist.
Anyone know the name of the lobbyist? Would like to know if there has been any progress and/or what we can do to help.
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I guess this explains why Tesla hired a lobbyist.
Anyone know the name of the lobbyist? Would like to know if there has been any progress and/or what we can do to help.
They've indirectly probably hired lot's of lobbyists along with SolarCity when they "contribute" to green energy non-profits which employ "scientists" to testify and lobby for green energy/tech.
+4, and no big ugly mirrors.
Actually, the mirror thing first, then the doors.
Have you ever considered that the mirrors actually have a safety function that is hard to replace/replicate using electronics? I'm not saying impossible, but likely quite expensive. I would guess electronic mirrors would have to comply with IEC 61508 / ISO 26262. Glass mirrors are simple, cheap, effective and "Proven In Use". Camera+display are not. Also, the requirements are not unique for North America.
... but cool? Yes!
Based on what they were suggesting (which I never saw it, or drove it, so I am forced to believe what they said.) they were saying it is actually better than mirrors, since the display for the camera was on the dash, So you could look at both mirrors without having to turn your head. Then the only reason to look left/right would be to check your blind spot. If they were to add in the side sensors that people have now that tells you when someone is in your blind spot, then there would never really be a reason to turn your head away from the front while driving.
Just because something is cheaper does not make it better. I realize they are proven in use, and that they are a needed safety device, but I would contest that this was meant to replace that device and should be fairly judged for what it is. Otherwise you risk sticking your head in the sand thinking the world is perfect.
Based on what they were suggesting (which I never saw it, or drove it, so I am forced to believe what they said.) they were saying it is actually better than mirrors, since the display for the camera was on the dash, So you could look at both mirrors without having to turn your head. Then the only reason to look left/right would be to check your blind spot. If they were to add in the side sensors that people have now that tells you when someone is in your blind spot, then there would never really be a reason to turn your head away from the front while driving.
Have you ever considered that the mirrors actually have a safety function that is hard to replace/replicate using electronics? I'm not saying impossible, but likely quite expensive. I would guess electronic mirrors would have to comply with IEC 61508 / ISO 26262. Glass mirrors are simple, cheap, effective and "Proven In Use". Camera+display are not. Also, the requirements are not unique for North America.
... but cool? Yes!
Of course, cameras + display might be a better alternative, as long as it works... The same thing applies to Rearview Camera. It increases safety as long as it works... Glass mirrors can break, but cameras + displays + electronics + software can fail in som many ways.Cameras have the potential to give superior safety with variable optics, and digital image processing to enhance the view in poor seeing conditions. Cameras can see a wider spectrum than the human eye. Just as backup cameras are now widely regarded as giving improved safety, and in fact are required equipment as of this year, iirc. It would be strange to have the DOT require backup cameras while simultaneously disallowing side-view cameras. Both in the name of safety?
Of course, cameras + display might be a better alternative, as long as it works... The same thing applies to Rearview Camera. It increases safety as long as it works... Glass mirrors can break, but cameras + displays + electronics + software can fail in som many ways.
Both power stearing and braking servo are systems that gives an overall increased safety, but they only apply extra force to the mechanical connection. This is simply because it is impractical (in normal cars) to use "drive by wire" on the brakes and steering system. Impractical would normally mean expencive.
Don't blame me... I only work with safety systems...
Of course, cameras + display might be a better alternative, as long as it works... The same thing applies to Rearview Camera. It increases safety as long as it works... Glass mirrors can break, but cameras + displays + electronics + software can fail in som many ways.
Both power stearing and braking servo are systems that gives an overall increased safety, but they only apply extra force to the mechanical connection. This is simply because it is impractical (in normal cars) to use "drive by wire" on the brakes and steering system. Impractical would normally mean expencive.
Don't blame me... I only work with safety systems...
True, but I'd extend the power-steering analogy to side-view cameras. You don't lose the ability to change lanes safely if they fail. If they fail, you can still turn and look, and navigate with care for a reasonable fail-safe. You should already be looking in addition to mirrors anyway. I wouldn't expect a driver to discontinue a trip and call for a tow, for example, if a side-view mirror became inoperative. Not sure we need to hold camera-based systems to a higher standard. I think the larger concern would be that it not convey misleading visual information.
I just use the backup camera, and it works really well. If the car showing in the backup camera is more than just a dot, it's very close and you need to check before you move out of your lane. After almost a year's driving, I use the backup camera about 2/3 of the time and the rest of the mirrors about 1/3 of the time.
Cool project!I would like to pass along some things I learned while testing a side view camera system on my Model S.
Article regarding Side Cameras in the Model X !! Looks like Tesla IS moving forward with this idea!! Can't wait to see it on a production car!
http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/t...-to-replace-side-mirrors-with-cameras/#!CDnIY
Does anyone have experience with how long it would take to get an exception or other alternative through the NHTSA? Would they be able to get a ruling in time to have cameras on the X, or is this for a future vehicle? Perhaps they have been working behind the scenes to get this approved? If they already have informal agreement from the regulators, and this is the final public step for the X, I could see it, but otherwise, this feels too late for the initial production run of the X.Article regarding Side Cameras in the Model X !! Looks like Tesla IS moving forward with this idea!! Can't wait to see it on a production car!