Trailer Imaging System for Surround View and Dynamics Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging for towing vehicles to view the surrounding environment and determine trailer dynamics, such as pivoting or rolling, while towing a trailer, as existing systems do not effectively provide a clear view of the trailer's rear or surrounding area, nor do they accurately assess trailer dynamics like pitch, roll, or pivot angles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a trailer imaging system that uses multiple cameras on the towing vehicle and trailer to generate a transparent view of the trailer's rear and a 360-degree surround view, determining trailer dynamics by processing image streams from these cameras and calculating common features to assess positions and angles, and outputting alerts or control signals as necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple imaging devices are installed on both the towing vehicle and trailer to enable surround view imaging, then the ability to view surrounding environment and determine trailer dynamics is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging function into multiple segments by installing imaging devices at different locations (front, rear, and sides of both vehicle and trailer). Each device captures a specific portion of the surrounding environment, and the processor integrates these segmented views into a comprehensive surround view display, resolving the contradiction between improved visibility and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional single-plane rearview mirrors to a multi-dimensional bird's-eye view display. The processor generates a top-down perspective that combines images from multiple imaging devices, creating a three-dimensional spatial representation that provides superior environmental awareness while justifying the increased number of devices through enhanced functional capability.
2Measurement precision
If imaging devices and processors are used to determine trailer dynamics, then the measurement precision of trailer position and orientation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical sensors and direct physical measurement devices with optical imaging devices and computational algorithms. The processor analyzes image data to derive trailer dynamics (position, orientation, movement) through computer vision techniques, achieving high measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of multiple specialized mechanical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging devices serve as intermediaries between the trailer dynamics and the driver. Instead of directly measuring physical quantities like angle and position with specialized sensors, the system uses images as an intermediary medium that the processor then analyzes to extract dynamic information, simplifying the overall measurement system while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method are provided for a towing vehicle towing a trailer having at least one imaging device. A method includes: receiving, from a first imaging device coupled to the trailer, a first image stream having a plurality of first images; receiving, from a second imaging device coupled to the vehicle, a second image stream having a plurality of second images; determining, at least one common feature between a first image of the first images and a second image of the second images; determining a first distance from the first imaging device to the at least one common feature and a second distance from the second imaging device to the at least one common feature; and determining, a position of the first imaging device relative to the vehicle based on the first distance, the second distance and a known position and pose of the second imaging device.