Tractor Camera Monitoring of Trailer Warning Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicle operators face challenges in timely noticing and addressing warnings from trailer systems due to limited communication channels between tractors and trailers, requiring drivers to manually monitor warning lights.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system comprising image capture devices mounted on the tractor to capture visual indicators from the trailer's control system, with a controller that determines if the indicators meet predetermined conditions and provides notifications to the driver, remote fleet operator, or tractor control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driver manually monitors the trailer warning light status through rear view mirror, then the driver can detect warning indicators, but the driver's workload increases and response time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service monitoring where the automated image capture device and controller continuously monitor the trailer warning light status without requiring driver intervention. The system captures images, processes them to detect warning indicator states, and automatically provides notifications, allowing the monitoring function to serve itself rather than relying on manual driver observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual monitoring system (driver visually checking mirrors and warning lights) with an automated electronic system consisting of image capture devices, controllers, and notification systems. This substitution eliminates the need for manual visual monitoring while maintaining reliable warning detection.
2Loss of time
If the driver continuously monitors the trailer warning light status, then warning detection timeliness improves, but the driver becomes distracted from primary driving tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system operates autonomously without requiring driver attention. The image capture device continuously captures images of the warning light, the controller automatically processes these images to detect warning states, and the notification system promptly alerts the driver only when warnings are detected. This self-service operation eliminates continuous driver monitoring while maintaining timely warning response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback by continuously monitoring the warning light status and providing immediate notifications to the driver when warning conditions are detected. This feedback mechanism ensures timely awareness of trailer system warnings without requiring the driver to continuously check the warning lights, thereby eliminating distraction while maintaining rapid response capability.
3Extent of automation
If automated image capture and processing is implemented, then monitoring automation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a multi-functional integrated approach where the image capture device serves multiple purposes: capturing images of the trailer warning light status, providing visual records for analysis, and potentially supporting other monitoring functions. The controller performs multiple tasks including image processing, warning state detection, and notification control. This universality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving high automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring system for a combination vehicle comprises at least one image capture device mounted on a tractor, which has a trailer mounted control system within its field of view. The trailer mounted control system has a visual indicator. A controller is associated with the at least one image capture device. The controller captures images of the visual indicator, determines if the visual indicator meets a predetermined event condition and provides notification to at least one of a driver of the tractor and a remote fleet operator in response to the visual indicator meeting the predetermined condition.