Vehicle technology has seen significant advancements aimed at enhancing safety and driving convenience. One of the key developments is in the realm of parking and maneuvering assistance, with the introduction of reverse cameras and 360-degree camera systems. These systems help drivers to navigate tight spaces, avoid obstacles, and park safely. While both reverse cameras and 360-degree cameras serve a similar purpose of improving visibility around the vehicle, they differ in functionality, technology, and application.AVM 360° Surround View SystemThe difference.
A reverse camera, also known as a backup camera, is a safety feature installed in most modern vehicles to help drivers see what is behind them when reversing. It typically features a wide-angle lens mounted on the rear of the vehicle that feeds a video signal to a screen inside the cabin. The reverse camera provides a clear view of the area directly behind the vehicle, helping to prevent accidents caused by blind spots and obstacles that are not visible through the rearview mirror.
While reverse cameras are a great tool for backing out of parking spots or driving in reverse, they provide a limited field of view, usually focusing only on the rear of the vehicle.
A 360-degree camera system, also known as the AVM (Around View Monitor) 360° Surround View System, is a more advanced technology that gives the driver a bird's-eye view of the area surrounding the entire vehicle. This system uses multiple cameras installed around the vehicle—typically at the front, rear, and sides—to provide a composite image of the surroundings on a single screen.
360° Imaging Systemstitches together images from these cameras to create a seamless, real-time 360-degree view of the vehicle’s environment. This provides drivers with a comprehensive view of potential obstacles in all directions, significantly improving safety when parking, maneuvering in tight spaces, or driving in unfamiliar areas.
Comparison between reversing image and 360° image system
| feature | Reversing Image | 360° imaging system (AVM 360° surround view system) |
| Field of view | Rear view only | Full 360-degree view around the vehicle |
| Camera Configuration | Single rear view camera | Multiple cameras (front, back, side) |
| View Type | Rear view only | Comprehensive bird's-eye or panoramic views |
| Key Features | Assisted reverse and parking | Assists with parking, tight spaces, and maneuvering |
| Installation Difficulty | Simple, single camera | Complex, multiple camera integration |
| cost | Low, standard on many models | Higher, usually found in high-end models |
| Image Quality | Standard resolution, rear view only | High resolution with a clearer, wider perspective |
| Parking assistance function | Basic parking guidelines | Advanced features like dynamic guidelines, obstacle detection |
| Security | Reduce rear collisions | Prevents collisions from all directions, improves situational awareness |
| Technology Integration | Basic integration with dashboard screen | Integrated with advanced sensors and safety systems |
Why choose a 360° imaging system (AVM 360° surround view system)?
Although reversing images can effectively improve rear visibility, 360° imaging systems, especially models integrated with the AVM 360° surround view system, provide a more comprehensive and detailed view in many situations.
Comprehensive visibility: The 360° imaging system provides a real-time panoramic view around the vehicle, eliminating blind spots and enabling the driver to fully understand the location of surrounding obstacles, pedestrians and other vehicles. This is especially useful in narrow parking lots, busy streets or complex driving environments.
Bird's-Eye View: The system combines images from multiple cameras to generate a bird's-eye view of the vehicle's surroundings, helping the driver clearly understand their position relative to surrounding objects and improving spatial awareness.
Advanced Parking Assist: The 360-degree imaging system not only provides dynamic parking assist lines, but also detects obstacles and issues warnings to help drivers park more accurately and avoid scratches and collisions.
Improve safety: The AVM 360° system uses image prompts and warnings to promptly remind drivers of obstacles, thereby reducing low-speed collisions and accidents. It can effectively prevent potential safety hazards, especially when reversing or driving out of narrow spaces.
Integration with other safety systems: 360° imaging systems often work in conjunction with other advanced driver assistance systems (such as automatic emergency braking, collision warning, lane keeping, etc.) to further enhance driver safety and confidence.
Although both reversing cameras and 360° imaging systems can improve visibility and reduce the risk of collision, they have significant differences in function and application. Reversing cameras provide a simple rear view solution and are an indispensable basic safety configuration in modern vehicles. If a more comprehensive and clear view is required, especially in complex parking or operation environments, a 360° imaging system (such as the AVM 360° surround view system) is undoubtedly a better choice.AVM 360° Surround View SystemBy synthesizing a panoramic view in real time, the driver's environmental awareness is enhanced, helping to avoid potential collisions from any direction. Although the installation of the 360° system is complicated and costly, the safety, convenience and functionality it brings make it a more valuable choice.