Donnelly to focus on auto camera products

Donnelly Corporation on Friday unveiled a line-up of automotive camera products that focuses on the latest in image-processing technology. Holland, MI-based Donnelly, a leading maker of automotive mirrors, says the new VideoMirror Camera Vision System is designed to drive growth through giving drivers a better view of their vehicles' interiors and exteriors. "These are the products that truly address, for the first time, problems that drivers experience everyday," says Donnelly Marketing VP Frank O'Brien.

Among the products are:

BabyVue: The in-cabin camera vision system uses a discreet camera mounted in the vehicle's headliner to allow drivers a view of reverse-facing infants.

CabinVue: Once the child reaches the appropriate age and weight to face forward in the back seat, the camera can be turned to provide the driver with a view of the vehicle's cabin.

ReversAid: The exterior camera vision system uses a discreet camera that's mounted on the rear of the vehicle. When the vehicle is put into reverse, the driver has an enhanced view of what's behind the vehicle.

TowChek: Depending on the angle of the camera, the ReversAid unit can be modified to become a vision supplement product, which assists drivers backing up to a hitch without the assistance of a second person.

In order to see the new views, a small flip-down screen is mounted on the vehicle's rearview mirror. The screen displays images captured by low profile, discreet cameras mounted in the vehicle's headliner, or in the rear of the vehicle. The firm uses CMOS technology for their camera systems, which provide a clearer, sharper image than traditional CCD cameras, O'Brien claims. The company also developed a smaller screen for viewing that doesn't compromise the image quality or the interior of the vehicle, he says.

Edited by Norman Martin
Managing Editor, AutoCentral.com