Late next year, Cadillac will add high-resolution streaming video to the function of a traditional rearview mirror, thus removing obstructions of passengers, the vehicle's roof and rear pillars and headrests.
The video mirror is designed to improve field of vision by an estimated 300 percent, or four times greater than a normal rearview mirror.
"The closest comparison to this kind of rear vision would be driving a convertible with the top down," said Travis Hester, Cadillac CT6 executive chief engineer in a press statement. "In addition to the increased field of view, the technology eliminates any rear seat, rear pillar or passenger obstructions, allowing the driver an unimpeded view of the lanes behind and traditional blind-spots," Hester said.
Expect to see the technology debut on the 2016 Cadillac CT6.
Engineers working on the innovation have been awarded 10 patents so far, nine for video processing and one for streaming the video mirror.
"The patents cover innovations in the wide field of view camera image calibration, de-warping, glare reduction and camera hardware design," GM said about the patents.
The camera's video feed helps reduce glare and allows for a crisper image of low-light situations, compared to traditional glass electrochromatic, or auto-dimming, rearview mirror.
The in-mirror features an industry-leading 1280 by 240-pixel TFT-LCD display with 171 pixels per inch. This is combined with a HD camera created by the company to "enhance rear view lane width and maximize low-light situations," according to GM.
The automaker said that a water-shedding hydrophobic coating is applied to each camera in order to keep it clean to maintain visibility in all kinds of weather.
"The streaming video is a significant enhancement for the luxury customer interested in purposeful technology," Hester said.
Drivers will have the option of disabling the mirror's video streaming function by flipping the toggle on the underside of the mirror to revert to a traditional electrochromatic rearview mirror.
See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?