Trailer Camera Image Fusion for Blind-Spot-Free Rear View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicles towing trailers often experience obstructed rear views, commonly known as 'blind spots,' due to the trailer's presence, which existing driver assistance systems fail to adequately address, especially with varying trailer dimensions and hitch configurations.
Innovation Solution
A driver assistance system comprising cameras on both the motor vehicle and trailer, along with a computer processing device, generates a combined image by determining distances and applying polynomial fit array coefficients to create an unobstructed rear view, utilizing a bowl view algorithm to overlay the trailer's image onto the motor vehicle's image, thereby reducing blind spots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a trailer is attached to the motor vehicle, then cargo transport capability is improved, but rear field of view is obstructed creating blind spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cameras as intermediary devices mounted on the motor vehicle and trailer to capture rearward visual information. These cameras serve as mediators between the obstructed view and the driver, transmitting visual data through the display system to compensate for the blocked field of view caused by the trailer attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the two-dimensional visual field problem into a multi-dimensional solution by capturing images from multiple camera positions (front, rear, sides) and synthesizing them into a composite display. This dimensional approach allows the driver to perceive areas that are physically blocked from any single viewpoint.
2Loss of information
If existing driver assistance systems are used, then some rear visibility is improved, but they fail to adequately address varying trailer dimensions and hitch configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to different trailer configurations by using multiple cameras that can capture varying geometries. The image processing algorithm dynamically adjusts to accommodate different trailer dimensions, hitch types, and positions, transforming static camera positions into a flexible system that handles diverse configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal system that functions across multiple trailer types and configurations. By combining multiple camera views and using image processing to synthesize a comprehensive rear view, the system provides adaptability to various trailer dimensions and hitch arrangements without requiring configuration-specific hardware.
3Loss of information
If multiple cameras are deployed on both motor vehicle and trailer, then rear field of view coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple camera feeds into a single composite image displayed on the driver's display system. By combining the front camera, rear camera, and side camera views into one unified visualization, the system manages the complexity of multiple sensors through integration, presenting a simplified single-view interface to the driver.
Data Source
AI summary
A driver assistance system and driver assistance method for a combination of a motor vehicle and a trailer, which includes a first camera located on the motor vehicle configured to generate a first image, and a second camera located on the trailer configured to generate a second image, and a computer processing device configured to determine a first distance and a second distance by a sensor or a user input, determine a bowl view responsive to the first distance and the second distance in relation to a threshold distance, and generate a combined image from the second image and the first image responsive to the bowl view.