Camera Mirror Overlay Alignment Using Trailer Target Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera mirror systems for vehicles, particularly heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and buses, face challenges in providing accurate virtual overlays for trailers without prior knowledge of the trailer's size and type, requiring recalibration when switching trailers and offering limited, non-informative graphics.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that detects predetermined targets on trailers using cameras, adjusts virtual assist features in real-time based on the trailer's position and orientation, and calculates trailer dimensions, allowing for automatic adaptation and accurate display of virtual overlays without the need for recalibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If virtual overlays are added to camera mirror systems to assist drivers in judging vehicle location, then driver assistance capability is improved, but the system requires preexisting knowledge of trailer type and dimensions which increases device complexity and reduces adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects trailer targets and calculates trailer dimensions without requiring manual input or preconfiguration. The processor device performs self-service by autonomously identifying trailer characteristics and adjusting virtual overlays accordingly, eliminating the need for operators to manually program trailer specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes overlay parameters (position, orientation, dimensions) based on detected trailer target parameters. By continuously monitoring target position and angular orientation in subsequent image data, the system automatically adjusts virtual assist features to match the actual trailer configuration, adapting to different trailer types without manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If the system is configured to work with specific trailer types, then measurement precision for those trailers is improved, but adaptability to diverse trailer types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses universal target detection that works across different trailer types. By detecting predetermined targets and calculating relative positions and orientations, the system can identify and adapt to various trailer configurations (different lengths, widths, and types) using the same detection algorithm, making the system universally applicable rather than type-specific.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different trailer types by continuously detecting target positions and adjusting overlay parameters in real-time. Rather than being statically configured for specific trailer types, the system remains dynamic and flexible, automatically reconfiguring virtual assist features based on the detected trailer characteristics in each operating condition.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual calibration is required when switching trailers, then setup precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary target detection and automatic calibration as soon as a trailer is attached, eliminating the need for manual recalibration procedures. By automatically detecting trailer targets and computing overlay parameters in real-time, the system prepares the correct display configuration proactively, allowing drivers to immediately use accurate overlays without time-consuming manual setup.
4Device complexity
If simple graphics are used in virtual overlays, then device complexity is reduced, but information content and usefulness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enhances specific local areas of the display with informative virtual assist features based on detected trailer positions. Rather than uniformly simplifying all graphics, the system applies detailed, information-rich overlays precisely where needed (at trailer locations and boundaries), providing rich information content in critical areas while maintaining simplicity elsewhere in the display.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system comprising a processor device configured to receive initial image data from at least one camera of a vehicle; detect, in the initial image data, at least one predetermined target mounted to a trailer of the vehicle, the at least one predetermined target at an initial position and initial angular orientation relative to the at least one camera; position a virtual assist feature in a first position and a first angular orientation in a display view based on the initial position and the initial angular orientation of the at least one predetermined target; detect, in subsequent image data, the at least one predetermined target at a subsequent position and a subsequent angular orientation relative to the at least one camera; and adjust the virtual assist feature in the display view based on the subsequent position and the subsequent angular orientation relative to the at least one camera.