Trailer Camera Wi-Fi Antenna Phasing for Obstructed Video Links
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-trailer systems face issues with signal degradation and interruption of video signals due to obstructed line-of-sight transmission paths between trailer-mounted cameras and vehicle antennas, leading to weakened or distorted images on vehicle displays.
Innovation Solution
A vision system utilizing a vehicle-mounted receiver with spaced-apart Wi-Fi antennas and a dual-antenna trailer-mounted camera system that applies phase shifts to video signals to maximize signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by continuously adjusting transmission phases based on feedback from the vehicle receiver, ensuring optimal signal quality despite obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single antenna is used for wireless video transmission between trailer camera and vehicle, then device complexity is reduced, but signal reliability deteriorates due to obstructed line-of-sight paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single antenna system into multiple segmented antennas (first and second antennas) positioned at different locations on the vehicle. This segmentation allows the system to receive video signals through multiple potential paths, improving reliability when line-of-sight is obstructed by the trailer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point antenna reception to a multi-point spatial distribution of antennas. By positioning antennas at different spatial locations on the vehicle, the system creates multiple reception dimensions, enabling signal acquisition from different angles and paths simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If trailer camera is positioned to achieve best view of trailer surroundings, then image quality is improved, but signal transmission path may be blocked by trailer structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal reception function across multiple antennas, allowing the camera to be positioned optimally for viewing without compromising signal transmission. The multiple antennas compensate for potential blockages by receiving signals through different paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple antennas act as intermediaries between the camera and the vehicle's display system. When the direct line-of-sight path is blocked by the trailer structure, the antennas receive and relay video signals through alternative paths, maintaining reliable transmission despite the camera's optimal positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle turns during towing, then adaptability to different driving conditions is improved, but line-of-sight transmission path between camera and antenna becomes obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic signal reception system where multiple antennas continuously monitor and adapt to changing transmission conditions during vehicle turns. The system can dynamically select or combine signals from different antennas based on real-time line-of-sight availability, maintaining reliability throughout the turning maneuver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reception parameters by utilizing multiple antennas with different spatial orientations. As the vehicle turns and line-of-sight conditions change, the system can adjust which antenna parameters (position, orientation, gain) are optimal for receiving the video signal, adapting to the new geometric configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A vision system for a vehicle-trailer system includes a vehicle-mounted receiver, a pair of spaced-apart vehicle-mounted Wi-Fi antennas, and a dual-antenna trailer-mounted camera system including a Wi-Fi camera configured to transmit waveforms incorporating video data to the receiver via the vehicle-mounted Wi-Fi antennas. The vision system is configured to estimate and apply phase shifts to video signals prior to transmission of the signals to the receiver. This may provide (at the receiver) a video signal having the best signal-to-noise ratio available for any given configuration and position of the trailer with respect to the vehicle, and despite any obstacles blocking line-of-sight for transmission between the camera system antennas and the vehicle Wi-Fi antennas. This may enable the trailer camera to be mounted at a location on the trailer where it can provide the best view of any particular portion of the trailer surroundings.