Camera Monitoring for Trailer Angle Jackknife Warning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera monitoring systems for vehicles lack effective methods to detect trailer angles that exceed jackknife warning thresholds, which can lead to potential jackknifing incidents during maneuvers, posing risks to the vehicle and trailer.
Innovation Solution
A camera monitoring system (CMS) equipped with a camera mounted on the tractor to record images of the trailer, an electronic display to show these images, and a CMS controller that determines if the trailer angle exceeds a jackknife warning threshold based on image analysis, providing warnings and corrective steering directions when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If camera monitoring systems are used to provide enhanced field of view, then the ability to see surrounding environment is improved, but the system lacks effective methods to detect trailer angles exceeding jackknife warning thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical angle sensing systems with a vision-based detection system using cameras and image processing. The CMS captures images of the trailer and uses computer vision algorithms to calculate trailer angle, substituting traditional mechanical sensors with optical measurement methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary between the camera system and the angle measurement function. The algorithms process captured images to extract trailer position and orientation data, serving as a mediator that transforms visual information into quantitative angle measurements.
2Measurement precision
If image processing-based detection is used to detect trailer properties, then detection capability is improved, but the system cannot provide timely jackknife warnings during maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time monitoring of trailer angle through ongoing image capture and processing. By constantly analyzing the current trailer position and comparing it against jackknife threshold values, the system maintains readiness to immediately detect and warn of dangerous conditions as they develop during maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the CMS continuously monitors trailer angle, compares it to safe operating thresholds, and provides immediate warnings when thresholds are approached. This closed-loop system ensures timely detection and alerting of jackknife conditions during dynamic maneuvers.
3Device complexity
If conventional mirrors are used for monitoring, then system complexity is reduced, but the field of view and detection capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical mirror systems with electronic camera-based monitoring. This substitution eliminates the need for physical mirrors while enabling sophisticated image processing capabilities for precise trailer angle measurement and jackknife detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the camera system multi-functional by using it both for general visibility enhancement and for precise trailer angle measurement. The same camera hardware serves multiple purposes: providing operator visibility and enabling quantitative angle detection through image processing algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera monitoring system (CMS) for a vehicle includes a camera mounted to a tractor and configured to record images that depict a trailer attached to the tractor, an electronic display configured to display the images, and a CMS controller. The CMS controller is operatively connected to the camera and electronic display and is configured to determine whether a trailer angle of the trailer exceeds a jackknife warning threshold based on a depiction of the trailer in the images; and based on a particular one of the images indicating a trailer angle above the jackknife warning threshold, provide a jackknife warning. A method for preventing jackknifing between a vehicle and a trailer is also disclosed.