Rear Camera Switching for Multi-Trailer Vehicle Convoys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providing a correct rear view for a driver of a vehicle forming a convoy with multiple trailers attached, as existing systems struggle to automatically activate the appropriate rear camera feed.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a processor device that determines electronic communication with trailers, identifies the rearmost camera, and activates its feed to the vehicle's display, using predefined communication addresses to determine the trailer order and suppress other camera feeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual activation of rear camera is used in a convoy, then the driver can control which camera to view, but the process is not automated and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines and activates the appropriate rear camera feed based on convoy configuration without requiring driver intervention. The processor device autonomously identifies the rearmost camera and activates its feed to the display, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of trailer attachments and camera configurations before the driver needs to view the rear view. By pre-determining which camera is rearmost and activating it automatically when reverse gear is engaged, the system prepares the appropriate view in advance without requiring manual camera selection.
2Quantity of substance
If the system activates all rear camera feeds simultaneously, then all cameras are available, but the display cannot show multiple feeds at once and confusion arises
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and activates only the specific camera feed that is needed for the current convoy configuration - the rearmost camera - while suppressing other camera feeds. This selective activation ensures that only one relevant rear view is displayed at a time, preventing confusion while maintaining availability of other cameras for future use.
Solution Approach 2:
Different camera feeds have different functions based on their position in the convoy. The system identifies the local quality (rearmost position) of each camera and activates only the one with the appropriate quality for providing the correct rear view, rather than treating all cameras equally.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle uses a single rear camera, then the system is simple, but it cannot provide the correct rear view when multiple trailers are attached in a convoy
Solution Approach 1:
Each trailer in the convoy is equipped with a rear camera that can serve multiple functions depending on its position. The system makes these cameras universal by automatically determining which one is rearmost and activating it accordingly, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different convoy configurations without requiring additional specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which camera is activated based on the current convoy configuration. As trailers are attached or detached, the processor device re-evaluates the convoy setup and dynamically switches between different camera feeds to maintain the correct rear view, making the system adaptable to changing conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system comprising a processor device is provided. The processor device is configured to determine electronic communication with at least two trailers attached to a vehicle, the trailers and the vehicle each being equipped with a rear-view camera; determine a rearmost camera of the rear view cameras; and activate feed from the rearmost camera to a display of the vehicle.