Camera-Based Trailer Position Detection for Safer Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maneuvering a trailer is challenging for drivers due to obscured rear views and the trailer not immediately following the towing vehicle's turns, necessitating a method to determine the trailer's position accurately.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a camera and processor to generate an input image of a vehicle, detect a feature, and determine the pixel position of that feature to calculate the relative position of the trailer or towing vehicle based on the pixel position in the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a trailer is rotatably coupled to a towing vehicle, then the trailer can maneuver through turns, but the driver loses direct visual awareness of the trailer's position and the trailer exhibits delayed turning response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual connection (driver directly seeing the trailer) with an optical-electronic system (camera capturing images and processor determining position). The camera mounted on the towing vehicle captures images of the trailer, and the processor determines the trailer's position relative to the towing vehicle, substituting direct mechanical observation with electronic image processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a camera and processor that mediates between the towing vehicle and trailer. The camera captures visual information about the trailer's position, and the processor translates this into positional data, serving as an intermediary that bridges the information gap between the driver and the trailer's actual position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the trailer is rotatably coupled to the towing vehicle, then the trailer can be detached and reattached, but the trailer does not turn immediately following a turn by the towing vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the camera continuously monitors the trailer's position and the processor calculates the relative position and angle. This feedback information is provided to the driver to help anticipate and compensate for the trailer's delayed response, allowing the driver to make adjustments based on real-time positional data rather than waiting for the trailer to physically respond.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tight turns or reversals are made with a trailer, then the towing vehicle can navigate complex paths, but collision risk increases due to obscured rear view and delayed trailer response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary action by providing the driver with real-time positional information about the trailer before actual contact or collision can occur. The camera and processor system continuously determines the trailer's position and angle, allowing the driver to take preventive actions (adjust steering, speed, or position) before the trailer's delayed response could result in a collision.
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, a method for determining position of a trailer may include generating an input image of a first vehicle using a camera mounted on a second vehicle. The input image may capture a feature of the first vehicle. One of the first vehicle and the second vehicle may be a trailer, while the other vehicle of the first vehicle and the second vehicle may be a towing vehicle coupled to the trailer. The method may further include determining a pixel position of the feature in the input image, using a processor. The method may further include determining position of the first vehicle relative to the second vehicle based on the pixel position of the feature in the input image, using the processor.