The Geometry of Automotive Rearview Mirrors - Why Blind Zones Exist and Strategies to Overcome Them

Equations are derived which describe and relate the magnification, viewing angle and reflected illuminance of convex mirrors as used in automotive applications. The derived equations are compared to those for plane mirrors. Using these equations, the viewing angles of automotive rearview mirrors are calculated and depicted. The blind zones are defined in terms of the viewing angles, obstructions to vision, perceptibility limitations, and the lateral separation of vehicles. Various strategies for overcoming the blind zones are discussed.