Dual-Camera Articulation Angle Estimation Under Variable Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for estimating the articulation angle in articulated vehicle combinations, such as truck and trailer combinations, face challenges in providing a reliable and robust estimation, especially under conditions of varying light intensity and device positioning, which can lead to unreliable image quality.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a primary and a secondary image obtaining device, where the secondary device is positioned and oriented differently to mitigate unreliability conditions, such as high or low light intensity, allowing for reliable articulation angle estimation by switching or combining data from both devices, and optionally using dead-reckoning or weighted values for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single image obtaining device is used for articulation angle estimation, then the system complexity is low, but the reliability of articulation angle estimation deteriorates under varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple image obtaining devices (primary and secondary cameras) into a unified articulation angle estimation system. The control unit processes images from both devices and integrates their data to produce a reliable articulation angle estimate, leveraging the strengths of each device under different environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between primary and secondary image obtaining devices based on environmental conditions. When the primary device encounters unfavorable conditions (e.g., low light, glare), the system activates the secondary device with different mounting characteristics to maintain reliable estimation.
2Measurement precision
If a primary image obtaining device is used under all conditions, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates when unreliability conditions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives images from both the primary and secondary image obtaining devices, evaluates their quality, and selects or combines appropriate images for articulation angle calculation. This intermediary processing ensures measurement precision by avoiding use of degraded images.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between primary and secondary image obtaining devices based on real-time environmental conditions. The control unit continuously monitors image quality metrics and adapts the data source accordingly, making the system flexible and responsive to changing conditions to maintain precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image obtaining devices with different positions and orientations are used, then the robustness against environmental conditions improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image obtaining function across multiple devices with specialized roles. The primary device is optimized for normal conditions, while the secondary device is positioned and oriented to handle specific challenging conditions (e.g., nighttime, glare). This segmentation allows each device to excel in its designated operational domain.
Solution Approach 2:
Both image obtaining devices are integrated into a single universal system that can handle diverse environmental conditions. The control unit provides multi-functional processing by evaluating images from either device and selecting the appropriate source based on current conditions, making the system adaptable to various scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for estimating an articulation angle between a first and a second connected vehicle section of an articulated vehicle combination, the system comprising a primary image obtaining device configured to be mounted on a first position of one of the vehicle sections and to obtain images of the other vehicle section during use; a secondary image obtaining device configured to be mounted on a second position of one of the vehicle sections and to obtain images of the other vehicle section during use, the second position being different from the first position, and/or a mounting orientation at the second position of the second image obtaining device being different from a mounting orientation at the first position of the primary image obtaining device.