Unique bird’s eye view to be tested on Volvo’s hybrid truck

Volvo’s Overview Surveillance System, developed together with Toshiba Corporation, gives drivers a unique bird’s eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings for advanced driving assistance and safety. This groundbreaking system has been installed on Volvo’s hybrid refuse trucks for on-the-job testing.

The new Overview Surveillance System gives the driver a dynamic bird’s eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings for greater control. It is designed primarily to support the driver in slow speed situations, such as when backing, parking or driving down narrow city streets. With the system installed, the driver can quickly see – and grasp – the situation for greater control and safety.

The ultimate view
The system utilizes four fisheye cameras mounted on each side of the vehicle. This electronic eye system “de-warps” and seamlessly combines the images to produce an overhead view of the truck and its surroundings. What makes this system truly unique is that it gives the driver a sense of distance by showing the relative positions of objects or people in relationship to the truck itself. The driver gets critical information and advanced driving assistance with just a quick glance at the system’s monitor.

Advanced driver control
“The Overview Surveillance System is yet another example of Volvo’s commitment to safety and in particular to developing advanced support systems that increase driver control,” says Lars-Göran Löwenadler, Volvo Trucks’ Safety Director. “With at least 90 percent of all traffic accidents involving the human factor, it’s really all about preventing the risk of accidents in the first place. And this means making things easier for drivers.”

The Overview Surveillance System has been installed on Volvo’s hybrid refuse trucks and is currently undergoing real-life testing. The goal is to make the system available throughout the Volvo Trucks’ range.