Trailer End Motion Tracking Beyond Camera Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera monitoring systems for commercial trucks rely on manual operator input to locate and track the trailer end, which can be unreliable and inaccurate, especially when the trailer end is not visible within the camera's field of view, limiting the effectiveness of visual enhancements and automated driver assist systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize image analysis to track the trailer end, generate a motion model based on its motion, and maintain an estimated position using predefined time periods and vehicle parameters, allowing for the continuation of visual enhancements and accurate positioning even when the trailer end is out of view, by integrating this information into a human-machine interface and automated driver assist systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operator input is used to locate and track the trailer end, then the system can provide basic tracking functionality, but the accuracy and reliability of tracking deteriorates when the trailer end is not visible within the camera's field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary tracking of the trailer end while it is visible in the camera field of view, establishing a motion model that predicts future positions. This preliminary action allows the system to maintain accurate tracking estimates even when the trailer end exits the visible area, resolving the contradiction between reliability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model (motion model) that mediates between direct visual observation and trailer end position estimation. This model acts as a bridge, using observed motion patterns to infer positions when direct observation is unavailable, thereby maintaining both reliability and precision throughout all operating conditions.
2Loss of information
If the camera field of view is expanded to always include the trailer end, then continuous visibility is improved, but the field of view may exclude other important surrounding environment elements
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the trailer end tracking function from the requirement for continuous visual presence in the camera field of view. By using image analysis and motion modeling, the patent separates the tracking capability from the field of view constraint, allowing the camera to maintain its original coverage area while still providing continuous trailer end position information through computational methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If visual enhancements are provided only when the trailer end is visible, then the system complexity is reduced, but the usefulness and functionality deteriorates when the trailer end is out of view
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the motion model to self-service the tracking function, automatically generating position estimates without requiring manual intervention or system reconfiguration. The motion model continuously updates and applies itself to maintain accurate trailer end position information, providing adaptable visual enhancements while managing complexity through automated computational processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for tracking a trailer end in an image using a controller includes receiving an image from at least one camera, identifying a trailer end in the image and tracking a motion of the trailer end through the image for a period of time using a controller. A motion model is generated based on the motion of the trailer end through the image using the controller. The controller responds to the trailer end exiting the image by maintaining motion of the trailer end per the motion model for a delay time period and establishing an estimated trailer end position dictated by the motion model at the end of the delay time period in response to the time period elapsing and the trailer end not being visible using the controller.