Boat Loading Camera Guidance Using Tow Vehicle Natural Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for loading a boat onto a trailer are challenging due to variability in ramp dimensions, wind conditions, and the lack of guidance, leading to potential damage and inefficiency, especially for inexperienced operators.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system that uses a mobile device with a camera to determine the alignment of the boat's longitudinal axis with the trailer's axis, providing visual and auditory feedback to guide the operator for safe and efficient loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single operator performs boat loading without additional guidance, then the operation can be completed independently, but the alignment precision and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trailer-mounted guidance system with markers and a boat-mounted camera as an intermediary between the operator and the loading task. The system captures images of the trailer markers, processes their positions, and provides visual feedback through overlays indicating alignment status. This intermediary system enables a single operator to achieve precise alignment without requiring additional personnel for manual guidance.
2Productivity
If the operator proceeds quickly through the loading process to avoid holding up the queue, then productivity is improved, but the risk of damage to boat or trailer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time visual feedback through overlay graphics displayed on the boat operator's display device. The overlays show the relative positions of the boat and trailer, alignment status, and guidance indicators. This immediate feedback allows the operator to make rapid adjustments while maintaining high loading speed, eliminating the need to slow down for cautious maneuvering and thereby preventing damage without compromising productivity.
3Measurement precision
If conventional marker-based navigation is used, then basic positioning can be achieved, but real-time alignment guidance during the dynamic loading process is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances conventional 2D marker detection by adding temporal and contextual dimensions. The system continuously captures images throughout the loading process, tracks marker positions over time, and overlays dynamic guidance indicators that change based on real-time alignment status. This transforms static position detection into an interactive, real-time guidance system that is intuitive and easy to use, directly addressing the operator's needs during the dynamic loading process.
Data Source
AI summary
A navigational system for guiding a boat onto a trailer comprising at least a portion of a tow vehicle which forms a natural marker for the navigation system. A camera is located on the boat to assist the navigational system with aligning a longitudinal axis of the boat with a longitudinal axis of the trailer. A central vertical (mid) axis of the camera is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the boat. An image processing unit receives and processes images from the camera. The image processing unit, based upon a determination of a position of the central vertical (mid) axis of the camera relative to a target area of the detected natural marker, generating guidance commands to assist a user with alignment of the longitudinal axis of the boat with the longitudinal axis of the trailer and thereby facilitate proper loading of the boat onto the trailer.