Trailer Angle Sensing with Projected Pattern Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers face challenges in accurately monitoring the angle of a trailer relative to a vehicle while reversing, as the trailer can quickly pivot, potentially leading to contact with the vehicle's rear portion, and existing methods rely on manual observation through rearview mirrors.
Innovation Solution
A method using a projector to generate a pattern on the trailer's front surface, which is captured by a camera, allowing for the determination of the trailer's angle by comparing the image with a known pattern, utilizing triangulation to calculate the depth and rotation about the hitching point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a driver uses rearview mirrors to manually monitor the trailer angle, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A pattern projection system serves as an intermediary between the trailer and the camera. The projector casts a known geometric pattern onto the trailer surface, and the camera captures the distorted pattern. By analyzing the distortion of this intermediary pattern, the system indirectly measures the trailer angle with high precision without requiring direct complex sensors on the trailer itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical observation through rearview mirrors with an optical measurement system. Instead of relying on the driver's visual estimation through mirrors, the system uses projected light patterns and digital image processing to automatically calculate the trailer angle, substituting mechanical/visual methods with optical and computational approaches.
2Reliability
If the trailer is allowed to pivot freely during reversing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety deteriorates due to potential contact with the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures images of the projected pattern on the trailer and calculates the current trailer angle in real-time. This feedback information is provided to the driver, enabling them to monitor the trailer position and make appropriate steering adjustments to prevent contact with the vehicle while maintaining maneuverability.
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 system provides accurate and real-time monitoring of the trailer's angle relative to the vehicle, enhancing safety by preventing trailer contact with the vehicle's rear and aiding in precise positioning during reversing maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
generating a projection on a trailer with a projector
Implementation Method 2
An image is obtained of the projection on the trailer with a camera
Implementation Method 3
calculating a depth of a trailer front surface based on triangulation. The triangulation is based at least in part on a known relative position between the camera and the projector
Data Source
AI summary
A method determining an angle of a trailer relative to a vehicle. The method includes generating a projection on a trailer with a projector. An image is obtained of the projection on the trailer with a camera. An angle of the trailer relative to a vehicle is determined by comparing the image of the projection with a known pattern of the projection.