Towing Vehicle Composite Image Controller for Trailer Maneuvers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display systems for vehicles towing trailers struggle to provide clear and accurate visual assistance during maneuvers, as composite images from multiple cameras can confuse drivers regarding distances and obstacles, especially during reversing and overtaking.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that selectively enables or disables the output of composite image data from towing vehicle and trailer cameras, allowing only trailer image data to be displayed during reversing and inhibiting composite images during overtaking, using inputs from turn signal indicators and transmission status to enhance driver visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If composite images from multiple cameras are displayed to assist drivers during towing maneuvers, then the driver receives additional visual information about obstacles and surroundings, but the driver becomes confused regarding distances and obstacles due to the composite nature of the images
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the visual information display by showing different image sources (towing vehicle camera vs. trailer camera) separately based on the maneuver type. During reversing, only the trailer camera image is shown to provide accurate distance reference. During overtaking, only the towing vehicle camera image is shown to provide clear obstacle visibility. This segmentation eliminates the confusion caused by composite images while maintaining the benefit of providing relevant visual information.
2Ease of operation
If composite images are continuously displayed during all maneuvers, then the driver always has visual assistance, but the display shows irrelevant or confusing information during specific maneuvers like overtaking where composite images are not useful
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the display content based on the current maneuver type detected through sensor inputs (turn signal indicators, transmission status). The controller automatically switches between displaying trailer camera images, towing vehicle camera images, or neither, depending on whether the vehicle is reversing, overtaking, or in normal operation. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the driver receives appropriate visual assistance only when and where it is relevant.
3Measurement precision
If the controller selectively disables composite image output during specific maneuvers, then the driver receives clearer and more relevant visual information, but the system complexity increases due to the need to monitor multiple vehicle states
Solution Approach 1:
The controller leverages existing vehicle systems and sensors that serve multiple functions. The turn signal indicator system is used both for its primary function of indicating lane changes and for detecting overtaking maneuvers. The transmission status monitoring serves both gear selection indication and maneuver detection purposes. By reusing these existing multi-functional systems, the controller can implement selective image display without adding significant complexity to the vehicle's monitoring infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a controller for generating a composite image (IMG3) of a region behind a towing vehicle (V). The controller is operable to receive a towing vehicle image data (DV1) from a towing vehicle camera (C1); and a trailer image data (DV2) from a trailer camera (C2). The controller combines the towing vehicle image data (DV1) and the trailer image data (DV2) to generate a composite image data (DV3) corresponding to a composite image (IMG3). The controller is operable to output the composite image data (DV3). The controller is operable selectively to enable and/or disable the output of the composite image data (DV3). The controller is configured to monitor a status of a turn signal indicator. The controller is configured to disable the output of the composite image data (DV3) when the turn signal indicator is activated; and/or enable the output of the composite image data (DV3) when the turn signal indicator is de-activated.