Surveillance for vehicles: Is it similar to other applications?

Stortech’s Peter Ainsworth and Andy Cassidy ask: Video surveillance on vehicles – is it the same as in other applications?

The answer is in two-parts. In essence, there is no difference.

As part of the solution you can have cameras, monitors, recorders and software. However, the raison d’être or reasons for having it are very different…

Security and safety

This article looks at the unique applications for video surveillance on-board vehicles.

The vehicle types can be as diverse as lorries (HGV, LGV), transit vans, emergency vehicles, taxis as well as busses, coaches and trams.

Although the latter three are in a special category of their own, being what is termed PSVs, or, public service vehicles – carrying passengers.

PSVs are further regulated by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA).

The primary purpose of most video surveillance systems is security (the protection against deliberate threats such as theft, violence or unauthorised access.)

While the primary purpose of video surveillance systems on vehicles is safety (protecting individuals from accident, injuries and hazardous conditions).

While there is clear crossover between the two, in my view, there is an obvious distinction. A lot of this distinction in recent years, has been driven legislation.

This includes the Direct Vision Standard (or DVS), soon to be replaced (in October 2024) by the Progressive Safe System (or PSS), R10, R46 and R118 certification.

DVS is a rating system that measures a driver’s ability to see around the vehicle from the cab of a HGV.

This is soon to be complimented by PSS. PSS includes additional safety features that are designed to minimise the risk to vulnerable road users, including but not exclusive to pedestrians and cyclists.

The below technologies give you a brief understanding of the systems Stortech Electronics supplies to help customer meet the needs of DVS, PSS and other standards and requirements:

E-mirrors

There is an evolution occurring where e-mirrors are replacing traditional wing mirrors with 12″ monitors inside the vehicle and a dual camera outside.

These monitors display dual images from each side of the vehicle. Looking along the side of the vehicle as well as looking down around the cab doors.

They help in eliminating blind spots and reducing driver fatigue. There are also environmental benefits and these are substantial. Reducing drag from losing the wing mirrors can save 5-15% of fuel depending upon which research article is read.

Additionally, e-mirrors are equipped to handle a 24/7 environment and adverse weather conditions, such as dark nights, thanks to the mirror being fitted inside the vehicle.

360° vision

The 360° vision system is a fairly new solution providing a full bird’s-eye, 360-degree view of the vehicle in a single image.

This comprehensive view is divided into zones, each represented by a colour – green (safe, but be aware), orange (beware, action may be needed) and red (potential danger and immediate action needed).

For instance, if a car is travelling at 60mph and is 50 yards in front of the bus, and then slows and falls into the green zone, the technology will signal the driver to slow down, reducing the risk of collision.

Reversing and forward collision warning (FCW)

These solutions guide and aid the driver during their journey.

The reversing camera will automatically be triggered when the reversing gear is engaged, giving a clear view of the area directly behind the vehicle, with the options of reversing gridlines for additional support.

FCW creates an electronic warning system divided into the Green, Orange and Red zones.

Onboard monitors and recorders

There are three standard sizes: 5”, 7” and 10” for onboard vehicle monitors. The monitor’s appropriate size depends on how far the driver is sitting from it.

Standard features include a reversing switch as soon as the driver engages the reverse gear; the monitor will switch to display the rear-view camera.

Besides this, many monitors will highlight reversing or parking guidelines. Some will power the cameras, record the images and have a GPS tracker built-in, offering greater flexibility.

Recorders are very specialised for the onboard vehicle market. Unique features include, vibration and weather protected.

The use of Aviation connectors protect the “connections against vibration” AI, such as features described above and found in the DMS and dashcam systems.

DMS and dashcams

A DMS (driver monitoring system) sits on the dashboard, monitoring the driver and reducing distractions.

It issues audible warnings for phone use, smoking, not wearing a seatbelt or a mask or falling asleep.

This not only ensures the safety of the driver but also provides invaluable video evidence that can exonerate the driver in case of an accident, protecting both passengers and other road users.

The dashcams differ in that they have a second camera for monitoring the road in front of the driver and include features such as FCW.

Controller area network (CAN)

Interfaces – just a quick note on the CAN interface.

In simple terms, this is a bit like a LAN network in a building, but one for vehicles. All the data managed by the vehicle management system (VMS) travels around the CAN network.

Many of the video surveillance products found on a vehicle will also feed data to the VMS, informing it of their status and if there is any event/alarm that the driver must be made aware of.

The role of the VCA

The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) manages regulations such as R10 (electronic), R46 (indirect vision) and R118, (concerning the behaviour of materials, for particular relevance to the cameras installed in the passenger area).

The VCA also conducts an annual auditing of companies and factory procedures for them to gain and maintain E11 Mark (Tested and Passed European Safety Standards [E11 is the type and approval for the UK]).

Ultimately the VCA polices the companies and products used on-board vehicles to ensure they are themselves safe to use and do the job they are designed to do.

Our aim at Stortech is to work with our partners to ensure that they can provide solutions that can provide the best possible safety measures and confidence that they will give.