Surround View Camera Fusion for Trailer-Blocked Rear Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surround view camera systems for vehicles towing trailers fail to accurately depict the surroundings of the trailer due to blocking by the trailer, especially when towing box trailers with tall sides, leading to reduced effectiveness in maneuvering assistance.
Innovation Solution
A surround view camera system that combines real-time 'Live View' and historical 'Historical View' approaches, using multiple imaging devices and vehicle sensors to generate composite images that accurately show the trailer's position relative to the vehicle, incorporating trailer position data to enhance maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a typical surround view system uses a rearview camera to capture the area behind the vehicle, then the vehicle's rear surroundings are visible, but the trailer blocks the camera view when towing, causing loss of information about the trailer's surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the viewing task into multiple segments: the rearview camera captures the area behind the vehicle, while the front imaging device captures the trailer and its surroundings. These segmented views are then combined to create a complete picture, resolving the blocking issue by distributing the imaging function across multiple devices positioned at different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary computational process that uses the rearview camera image to determine trailer position, then uses this position information to selectively combine it with front imaging device data. This intermediary processing step mediates between the blocked rearview camera and the need to show trailer surroundings, creating a composite view that overcomes the physical blocking constraint.
2Reliability
If the trailer is positioned close to the rear of the vehicle when towing, then the vehicle-trailer connection is secure, but the trailer blocks the rearview camera and reduces surround view effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single-dimension rearward view to a multi-dimensional composite view by incorporating data from both the front imaging device and rearview camera. The processor combines these views with trailer position data to create a comprehensive surround view that shows both the vehicle-rear area and the trailer-surroundings, effectively adding spatial dimensions to overcome the blocking problem while maintaining secure towing connection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If box trailers with tall sides are used, then cargo protection is improved, but the trailer blocks more of the rearview camera image
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the front imaging device view with the rearview camera view to create a composite surround view image. This combination allows the tall-sided box trailer to maintain its cargo protection function while the merged image compensates for the blocked view by incorporating unobstructed perspectives from both imaging locations, showing both the trailer and its surroundings simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for operating a surround view camera system for a vehicle towing a trailer. The method includes generating first image data at a first time using a first imaging device operably connected to a front side of the vehicle or a rear side of the trailer, and generating second image data at a second time using the first imaging device. The second time is different from the first time. The method also includes generating third image data using a second imaging device operably connected to a rear side of the vehicle, and receiving vehicle data with a processor as generated by at least one vehicle sensor. The vehicle data corresponds to movement of the vehicle from the first time to the second time. The processor receives the generated first image data, the second image data, and the third image data.