Prius needs a FRONT VIEW Camera as well!

Toyota puts the toys on the Lexus brand first and those have been around for a while. Our RX450h has an all around view camera so it has a front facing camera and 3 others (4 total) to make a top down parking view. It is extremely helpful. Our 2013 Nissan Leaf also has the same thing. Cameras front, back, and under each side view mirror.

My guess is the next generation will have it as an option. The next next next generation will have it standard.

 

Can not a generic rear view license plate based camera, intended for rear views, be used on the front of the car as well? COSTCO sells one of these, with its own screen (for the rear). There are mixed reviews out there though. I'd like to get something like this since I've already hit a couple of curbs with the low front end of my Prime.

 

Some cameras do the mirror image flop internally, others depend on the display to do it for them. If you hang a camera meant for the rear on the front of your car, make sure it you have what you need to show the correct perspective.

regarding video for situational awareness in general-

We are only just at the tip of the iceberg. None of these cars are getting the good cameras yet, but it won't be long. One problem that will be interesting to work with: rain. Right now, the cameras they are putting out for rear vision are so small that a single drop of rain in the wrong place will blind you out. Hopefully the ones proposed for side-view in the USA will either be larger or include a wiper/blower etc.

After that it's a question of levels. Most automakers are just starting to figure out video in general. So far I think they're all doing a lousy job of balancing the luminosity of dash gauges to that of their infotainment systems and video displays, and they need to get that right before putting a critical vision feature through it.

I'd love to know who is working out acceptance standards for these for the US government. I hope they are applying some very strict standards for image latency and processing quality.

 

The one on the last gen Camry is center mounted, and I haven't had any issue with it getting dirty. Perhaps the the license plate area is more recessed or mounted higher.

 

As @Tideland Prius kindly notes, Toyota offers these as a dealer-installed option in Japan.

The latest iteration is the ブラインドコーナーモニター (blind corner monitor), shown about half-way down the navigation options page for the Prius PHV and further described on its own page (both in Japanese). I think the part number is 08634-00D50, but don’t bother ordering one; it seems to work only with the nine-inch T-Connect navigation system sold in Japan.

 

^ They have all the nice toys over there in Japan.

 

Try the Nexar AI Cam. They are building a database of drivers and claim to be ready to alert in case a driver with not so good record is around so you stay away. Started using it as they were offering a Free after rebate version in bay area.

 

How is the Nexar going to save me from colliding into a curb or low hanging something or other when I park? Isn't it using the camera in a phone mounted to the dash?

 

curb alert makes a beeper for 150 dollars, you have to mount it and run a power cord into the drivers compartment. there is a youtube vid

 

I could have used a front camera today when I parked next to a light pole with a cement base. I got out and I was still about 2 feet from hitting it. smh

 

Progress? That they make the front fairing (it's kinda pointless calling it a "bumper") so low that you need a camera to monitor your clearance.

Maybe a pair of these, at each corner:



Complete the catfish look.