Trailer Camera Monitoring Using DOT Tape Angle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera monitor systems face challenges in efficiently and accurately determining the trailer angle between a tractor and trailer using image-processing-based perception, which is computationally intensive.
Innovation Solution
The system captures an image encompassing DOT tape on the trailer, identifies the tape using color filters, determines the line formed by the tape, calculates the line angle, and ascertains the trailer angle in 3D space, optionally combining with trailer wheel or edge detection to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image-processing-based perception is used to determine trailer angle, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the DOT tape pattern from the complex trailer image and uses only this specific visual feature for angle determination. By isolating the DOT tape as the key detection target rather than processing the entire trailer structure, the system achieves accurate angle measurement with reduced computational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the distinctive red and white color pattern of DOT tape as a visual marker for angle detection. By detecting the orientation and position of these colored stripes, the system can determine trailer angle efficiently without requiring complex 3D reconstruction or multiple camera views
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive image processing is performed to determine trailer angle, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of the DOT tape pattern in the image before conducting full angle calculation. By first identifying the presence and orientation of the DOT tape stripes, the system can then directly compute the angle from this pre-processed information, avoiding the need for time-consuming comprehensive image analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential DOT tape features (position, orientation, color pattern) from the full image and uses these extracted features for angle determination. This selective extraction approach maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing the processing time required compared to analyzing the entire image
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
This method provides efficient and accurate determination of the trailer angle, enabling improved visibility and functionalities such as panning during turns and object detection awareness, supplementing or replacing other methods when they are unreliable.
Implementation Method 1
capturing an image that encompasses a trailer with Department of Transportation (DOT) tape
Implementation Method 2
applying a color filter to the image to locate pixels that are at least one of red and/or white
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a camera monitor system (CMS) includes capturing an image that encompasses a trailer with Department of Transportation (DOT) tape, identifying the DOT tape, determining a line that is formed by the DOT tape, calculating a line angle from the line, and ascertaining a trailer angle from the line angle.