Forward Camera Trailer Clearance Detection for Low-Bridge Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera monitor systems in commercial vehicles lack the capability to effectively monitor trailer clearance using forward-facing cameras, which can lead to potential collisions with low-clearance obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A camera monitor system equipped with a forward-facing camera that processes video feeds to identify clearance objects, determine their height, and compare it to the trailer height, triggering warnings or rerouting the vehicle if clearance is insufficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a forward-facing camera is added to monitor clearance, then collision prevention capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clearance monitoring function with the existing forward-facing camera system. The camera that captures road ahead imagery is also used to detect clearance objects and determine their height, merging two functions (road monitoring and clearance detection) into a single system to avoid adding separate hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The forward-facing camera serves multiple purposes: providing the operator with a view of the road ahead for normal operation and simultaneously detecting clearance objects and measuring their height for collision prevention. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by utilizing existing hardware for dual purposes
2Measurement precision
If image analysis is used to determine clearance height, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously analyzes video frames from the forward-facing camera to detect clearance objects and pre-determine their heights before the vehicle reaches them. This preliminary action allows the system to have clearance data ready in advance, reducing the perceived processing time when a decision is needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical measurement methods (such as mechanical clearance gauges or manual measurement) with optical image analysis. By using computer vision algorithms to analyze the camera image and calculate clearance height based on pixel measurements and calibration data, the system achieves precise measurements without mechanical contact or manual intervention
3Speed
If real-time video processing is implemented, then response speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously processing every video frame at full computational power, the system uses periodic analysis where it processes frames at appropriate intervals and triggers detailed analysis only when clearance objects are detected. This periodic approach maintains real-time responsiveness while reducing overall energy consumption during normal operation
Data Source
AI summary
A camera monitor system for a vehicle includes at least one forward facing camera that has a field of view that at least partially encompasses a route of forward travel of the vehicle. A camera monitor system (CMS) is configured to receive a video feed from the at least one forward facing camera. The CMS includes a processor and a memory, the memory stores instructions for causing the processor to identify a clearance object in the video feed, for causing the processor to determine a clearance height of the clearance object from the video feed, and compare the clearance height of the clearance object to a height of a trailer, and initiate a response in response to the clearance height of the object being less than or equal to the clearance height of the trailer.