Trailer Movement Path Angle Determination via Camera Template Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating a vehicle with an attached trailer, especially in reverse, is challenging due to the difficulty in determining the angle of the trailer's movement path, which affects both manual and automated control during maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a camera and an electronic controller that determines the absolute angle of the trailer by matching image data to templates, tracks points on the trailer, and estimates changes in the angle to calculate the movement path, allowing for improved control and maneuvering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of vehicle and trailer is used, then operator control is maintained, but difficulty in determining trailer movement path angle increases maneuver difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation and mechanical angle measurement methods with an electronic system comprising a camera, processor, and software algorithm. The system captures images of the trailer, processes the visual data to calculate the movement path angle, and provides this information to the operator or automated control system, thereby substituting mechanical sensing with optical-electronic sensing and computation.
2Measurement precision
If automated control system is implemented, then maneuver precision improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional integrated system where a single electronic controller performs multiple functions: capturing images via the camera, processing images to identify the trailer and its features, calculating the movement path angle through coordinate transformation, and outputting control signals. This universal approach consolidates what could be separate complex subsystems into one integrated unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is self-sufficient in that it autonomously performs the complete angle determination process without requiring external intervention. The electronic controller automatically captures images, processes them through the algorithm, calculates the angle, and provides output, making the system self-service capable and reducing the need for additional complex external components.
3Device complexity
If traditional manual maneuvering is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but maneuver skill level required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic angle determination system between the operator and the trailer control. This intermediary provides real-time angle information that acts as a mediator, translating complex trailer dynamics into understandable angular data. This allows the operator to make informed decisions without needing advanced manual maneuvering skills, effectively reducing the skill barrier while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for determining an angle of a movement path of a trailer. The system for determining an angle of a movement path of a trailer comprises a camera; and an electronic controller communicatively coupled to the camera and configured to receive first data from the camera, determine an absolute angle of the trailer based on matching one portion of an image received in the first data to a template, receive second data from the camera, estimate a change in the angle of the trailer based on tracking one or more points on the trailer received in the second data, and determine the angle of the movement path of the trailer based upon the trailer angle and the change in the angle of the trailer.