Trailer Angle Detection Using Projected Pattern Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the angle of a trailer relative to a vehicle during maneuvering, such as reversing, are inefficient and require constant driver monitoring, especially when the trailer pivots around the tow hitch, risking contact with the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a projector and camera on the vehicle that projects geometric patterns onto the trailer's front surface, using triangulation to determine the trailer's angle relative to the vehicle by comparing captured images with known patterns, allowing for automatic angle calculation and assistance in trailer positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the driver uses rear view mirrors to monitor the trailer angle, then the driver can observe changes in trailer position, but the driver must continually monitor the angle which increases driver workload and reduces maneuvering efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically measuring and monitoring the trailer angle through the projector-camera setup, eliminating the need for continuous driver observation through mirrors. The system performs the measurement function autonomously, providing angle data without requiring driver attention or manual mirror monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical mirror-based visual monitoring system is replaced with an optical measurement system using projector and camera. This substitution transforms the manual visual estimation process into an automated optical measurement process, replacing the mechanical act of mirror adjustment and visual monitoring with automated image capture and angle calculation.
2Reliability
If the driver relies on manual mirror monitoring, then no additional equipment is needed, but the risk of trailer contact with the vehicle increases due to delayed angle detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback by capturing images of the trailer and calculating the angle in real-time during maneuvering. This provides ongoing angle information to the driver or control system, enabling timely responses to angle changes and preventing trailer contact with the vehicle through proactive awareness of the current angle state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously measuring and displaying the trailer angle before critical contact situations occur. By providing advance angle information, the system enables the driver to take preventive action before the trailer reaches dangerous angles that would result in contact with the vehicle.
3Extent of automation
If active laser triangulation with a projector is used to determine trailer angle, then automated angle measurement is achieved, but the device complexity increases compared to simple mirror monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The projector-camera system serves multiple functions: it projects reference patterns onto the trailer, captures images of these patterns, calculates trailer angle from the captured images, and can potentially provide guidance information. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating measurement, monitoring, and guidance functions into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The projector acts as an intermediary by projecting reference patterns onto the trailer that serve as measurement markers. The camera captures these projected patterns, and the system uses them as intermediaries to calculate the trailer angle. This intermediary approach enables automated measurement without requiring direct physical contact or complex sensors on the trailer itself.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and automated determination of the trailer's angle relative to the vehicle, reducing the risk of trailer contact and enhancing maneuverability by providing real-time angle feedback and potential steering assistance.
Implementation Method 1
using triangulation to determine the trailer's angle relative to the vehicle by comparing captured images with known patterns
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (100) determining an angle (A) of a trailer (40) relative to a vehicle (20). The method (100) includes generating a projection (56) on a trailer (40) with a projector (50). An image (60) is obtained of the projection (56) on the trailer (40) with a camera (28). An angle (A) of the trailer (40) relative to a vehicle (20) is determined by comparing the image (60) of the projection (56) with a known pattern of the projection (56).