Trailer Camera Image Scaling for Accurate Towing Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems for towing vehicles face challenges in generating composite images that accurately represent the relative size of objects due to camera displacement, leading to size discrepancies and distortion, especially when combining images from physically offset cameras.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system that determines a reference speed of the towing vehicle to apply dynamic scaling factors to image data from offset cameras, ensuring objects appear at correct sizes in the composite image, with scaling varying based on speed and camera angles to maintain a consistent field of view and reduce distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If images are combined from physically offset cameras, then a composite view of the region behind the trailer is achieved, but objects appear with different sizes due to perspective imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a scaling factor to the second image (from the trailer camera) that is determined in dependence on the longitudinal offset between the two cameras. This parameter change dynamically adjusts the size of objects in the second image to match their apparent size in the first image, compensating for the perspective distortion caused by the physical displacement of the cameras. The scaling factor is calculated based on the offset distance, ensuring that objects at the same distance from both cameras appear with consistent sizes in the composite image.
2Device complexity
If a constant scale factor is applied to the complete image, then processing is simplified, but objects at different distances do not appear with correct relative sizes
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than applying a uniform scaling factor to the entire image, the patent applies the scaling factor specifically to the second image data before combining it with the first image data. This local adjustment ensures that only the affected image (the one from the offset camera) is modified, while maintaining the original quality and detail of the primary image. The scaling is applied selectively to achieve correct object size representation without unnecessarily complicating the overall processing pipeline.
3Manufacturing precision
If the field of view varies with speed, then objects appear at correct sizes at different speeds, but the view directly behind the second imaging device becomes restricted at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the scaling factor dynamic by determining it in dependence on the reference speed of the towing vehicle. This allows the field of view to adapt to different operating conditions: at low speeds, a broader field of view is provided for maneuvering, while at high speeds, the scaling adjusts to maintain correct object size representation. The dynamic adjustment ensures that the composite image remains accurate across varying speeds without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical adjustments.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to an imaging system (1) for a towing vehicle (V1). The imaging system (1) includes a processor configured to determine a reference speed (Vref) of the towing vehicle (V1). First image data (D1) is received from a first imaging device (C1); and second image data (D2) is received from a second imaging device (C2). The first imaging device (C1) may be disposed on the towing vehicle (V1); and the second imaging device (C2) may be disposed on a towed vehicle (V2). A first scaling factor (SF1, SF2) is applied to the second image data (D2) to generate scaled second image data (D2). The first scaling factor (SF1, SF2) is determined in dependence on the determined reference speed (Vref) of the towing vehicle (V1). Composite image data (D3) is generated by combining at least a part of the scaled second image data (D2) with at least a part of the first image data (D1). The composite image data (D3) is output for display on a display screen (10). Aspects of the present invention also relate a vehicle (V1) having an image system (1); a method of generating a composite image (IMG3); and a non- transitory computer-readable medium.