Camera Wing System for Trailer Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer tracking systems struggle to accurately identify and monitor the rear end of a trailer, leading to difficulties in updating the field of view to keep the trailer in sight.
Innovation Solution
A camera-wing-system equipped with at least one camera and a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor, which updates the image section based on the angle of the trailer by calculating the distance between the camera and a salient point on the trailer using geometric triangulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional tracking systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to accurately identify and monitor the rear end of the trailer is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into an integrated camera-wing system: the camera module captures images, the ToF sensor measures distance, the wing structure provides mechanical support and positioning, and the control unit processes data and updates the display. This merging of components resolves the contradiction by achieving accurate trailer monitoring through a coordinated system rather than simple individual sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing structure acts as an intermediary mechanical component that positions the camera at an optimized location away from the vehicle chassis. This intermediary positioning allows the camera to capture the trailer rear end without being blocked by the vehicle body, thereby improving tracking accuracy while maintaining a manageable system structure.
2Area of stationary object
If the camera is positioned close to the vehicle chassis, then the device complexity is reduced, but the field of view is restricted and the trailer cannot be continuously monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The wing structure is designed as a dynamic, adjustable component that can be positioned at various angles and locations. This allows the camera to be placed in positions that optimize the field of view for different driving situations (straight driving, cornering, reversing), enabling continuous trailer monitoring while managing the complexity through a flexible mechanical solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing structure extends the camera positioning into a third dimension away from the vehicle chassis, creating a spatial offset that eliminates obstructions. By positioning the camera in this extended dimension, the system achieves an unobstructed field of view of the trailer rear end without simply moving the camera further along the vehicle body.
3Ease of operation
If the image section is not updated based on trailer angle, then the system operation is simple, but the trailer may fall outside the driver's view during cornering
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where the control unit continuously receives distance data from the ToF sensor and angle information from vehicle sensors, processes this information to calculate the required image section update, and automatically adjusts the displayed view accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the trailer remains visible during cornering while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary calculations of the required image section update based on predicted trailer position changes during cornering. By preparing and applying the appropriate image section update in advance, the system ensures continuous trailer visibility without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the maneuver.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively keeps the trailer within the driver's view regardless of the driving situation, ensuring continuous monitoring and updating of the image section.
Implementation Method 1
A camera-wing-system equipped with at least one camera and a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor, which updates the image section based on the angle of the trailer by calculating the distance between the camera and a salient point on the trailer using geometric triangulation.
Implementation Method 2
updating the image section is performed basis on a distance between the at least one camera and a geometric calculation of a triangle between a center of rotation, a salient point, and the at least one camera of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A camera-wing-system for a vehicle comprising at least one camera for recording a field of view (FOV) in a scene at least around a rear part of the vehicle, wherein a presented view is provided to a driver of the vehicle as a part of the field of view, the camera-wing-system is adapted to update an image section from the presented view of the at least one camera to another presented view different from the previous presented view to keep a point of interest of the rear part of the vehicle, preferably a trailer as the rear part of the vehicle, within the presented view provided to the driver regardless of a driving situation of the vehicle, and the image section is updated basis on a distance between the at least one camera and a geometric calculation of a triangle between a center of rotation, a salient point, and the at least one camera of the vehicle.