Imagine if the driver of a bus - or an 18-wheeler truck - could see a bird's-eye view of the vehicle while on the move, reversing, or trying to edge out into traffic. Automotive electronics specialist Alpine says: "No problem!"
We've had reversing cameras on cars for some time but now large vehicles such as buses and trucks are catching on to the safety aspect. Alpine's multi-camera technology is linked to the satnav display to allow the driver to see all round the vehicle and eliminate blind spots.
At blind junctions - for example approaching a T-junction - a front-mounted camera shows the view to the left and right, as well as straight ahead, on the satnav screen.
For lane-changing, a camera on each side of the vehicle eliminates that blind spot - especially on the side of the vehicle away from the driver, which is where pedestrians are more likely to come from.
Now it gets interesting...
The "top view" mode combines the images provided by a series of cameras around the top of the vehicle to give the driver a plan view of the vehicle and its surroundings, enabling him to park or manoeuvre safely.
Alpine sales manager Keith Price said: "The technology will provide the driver with a view of all four corners of his vehicle, highlighting pedestrians or children not in line of sight."
It works by processing multiple camera views with road information from a satnav database. Prototypes have been tested on cars but Alpine believes the safety aspect is much more relevant to buses and coaches.
Price said: "It would enable bus drivers to see passengers as they get off and cross - and it could help prevent lane-changing collisions on freeways."
Alpine suggests that the technology could be on the road in less than three years.