Tractor-Trailer Clearance Positioning for Automated Trailer Length Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and computer-assisted driving systems for tractor-trailer trucks face challenges in determining the physical characteristics of trailers, such as length and orientation, which are crucial for safe and efficient maneuvering, especially during reverse docking operations.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses cameras and sensors mounted on the tractor to acquire images and data on the trailer's position and orientation, processing this information to automatically determine the trailer's length and other characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to determine trailer characteristics, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and automation are insufficient for safe autonomous navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated optical-mechanical system. A camera captures images of the trailer, and a processor automatically calculates trailer characteristics (length, width, height, orientation) from these images, eliminating the need for physical measurement devices and manual operations while achieving high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy (image) of the trailer using a camera, then processes this copy to extract physical characteristics. This allows multiple measurements to be made from a single visual copy without physically contacting or disturbing the trailer, enabling precise and non-invasive measurement.
2Productivity
If automated systems are implemented to determine trailer characteristics, then productivity and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera and processor system serves multiple functions: it captures images for measurement, determines trailer orientation, calculates dimensional characteristics, and provides data for navigation control. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into a single integrated system, reducing overall complexity while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically processes images and calculates trailer characteristics without human intervention. The processor self-service computes all necessary measurements and provides output data, eliminating the need for operators to manually measure or calculate trailer dimensions, thereby improving maneuvering efficiency.
3Reliability
If comprehensive trailer data is collected for autonomous navigation, then navigation reliability is improved, but information processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures trailer characteristic data in advance during normal operation or before maneuvers requiring precise navigation. By collecting and processing trailer dimensional and orientation data beforehand, the system ensures reliable navigation information is available when needed without causing time delays during critical maneuvering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated image processing system rapidly calculates trailer characteristics from captured images, replacing time-consuming manual measurement and calculation methods. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated computational methods maintains comprehensive data collection for navigation reliability while significantly reducing processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes systems and methods for automated determination of certain physical characteristics of a trailer in a tractor-trailer truck and positional arrangement between the trailer and tractor of the truck. The technology may include a camera mounted on the tractor to acquire an image of at least a rear portion of the trailer; a sensor configured to acquire information relating to the trailer angle; a processor configured to determine a position of the rear portion of the trailer in the image, and determine the length of the trailer based at least in part on the determined position of the rear portion of the trailer in the image and the information relating to the trailer angle.