Trailer Angle Detection Using Projected Marks and Camera Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the angle between a vehicle's chassis and trailer longitudinal axes are not cost-effective, simple, or accurate enough for various operational improvements and driver assistance applications.
Innovation Solution
A camera monitoring system with a lighting assembly that projects a mark on the trailer, allowing the camera to detect and analyze the angle by counting visual elements formed on the trailer's functional face, which is independent of the trailer's external appearance and requires minimal additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera monitoring system with lighting assembly is used to project marks on the trailer, then measurement precision and ease of manufacture are improved, but device complexity increases compared to existing angle determination systems
Solution Approach 1:
A lighting assembly projects a picture containing visual elements (dots, lines, curves) onto the trailer as an intermediary medium. The camera captures this projected picture, and the position of visual elements relative to the trailer provides angle information without requiring direct mechanical measurement devices on the trailer.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing physical markers or markings on the trailer, the system creates a virtual copy of reference positions by projecting a picture with visual elements onto the trailer surface. The camera captures this projected pattern, and the relative displacement of visual elements indicates the angle between chassis and trailer.
2Device complexity
If existing angle determination systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting assembly serves multiple functions: it illuminates the area behind the vehicle for visibility and simultaneously projects a picture with visual elements for angle determination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated angle measurement devices, maintaining relative simplicity while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical angle sensing devices with an optical system consisting of a camera and lighting assembly. The angle measurement is achieved through optical projection and image capture rather than mechanical linkages or sensors, simplifying the physical structure while enhancing measurement capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If specific markings are placed on the trailer for angle detection, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and adaptability worsen due to customization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates virtual reference markings by projecting a picture with visual elements onto the trailer surface rather than requiring physical markings to be manufactured onto each trailer. This eliminates customization requirements for different trailer types while maintaining precise angle detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference markings are dynamic rather than static - they are projected onto the trailer surface by the lighting assembly and can be adjusted or repositioned electronically without physical modification to the trailer. This makes the system adaptable to different trailer configurations without requiring manufacturing changes.
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
Provides a cost-effective, accurate, and simple method to determine the trailer angle, improving system accuracy with appropriate light design and camera recognition capabilities, and can be easily implemented on any vehicle with a camera monitoring system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source configured to project a picture rearward of the cab, the picture forming a mark on a functional face of the trailer
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is provided herein, wherein the vehicle comprises a chassis and a cab mounted to the chassis. A trailer is pivotally connected to the chassis. A camera is arranged on a supporting arm mounted on the cab for providing a captured image of an area located rearward of the cab. A lighting assembly is mounted on the cab and includes at least one light source. The light source is configured to project a picture rearward of the cab forming a mark that is detectable by the camera, and that is representative of an angle between a trailer longitudinal axis and a chassis longitudinal axis. Further, a wind deflecting assembly comprising at least two side deflector panels and the lighting assembly is mounted on the side deflector panels.