Trailer Load Estimation Using Image Segmentation Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
The weight of a trailer on a vehicle can affect the steering and maneuvering capabilities, and existing systems lack effective methods to monitor and manage trailer loads to prevent excessive loading.
Innovation Solution
Implementing vehicle control circuitry that utilizes image recognition and segmentation techniques to determine the characteristics of objects being loaded onto a trailer, comparing them to load capacity thresholds, and notifying operators when limits are exceeded, thereby improving maneuverability and steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If trailer load is increased to maximize hauling capacity, then cargo transport capability is improved, but vehicle steering and maneuvering capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of objects to be loaded onto the trailer using image recognition and characteristic determination. By evaluating object characteristics before loading, the system predicts the resulting trailer weight and warns operators in advance if the load would exceed safe thresholds, preventing adverse effects on vehicle maneuverability before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop that continuously monitors trailer loading conditions and provides real-time warnings to operators. By comparing determined object characteristics against predefined thresholds and notifying operators of potential maneuverability issues, the system enables dynamic adjustment of loading decisions to maintain safe operating conditions.
2Device complexity
If manual load monitoring is used to track trailer weight, then system complexity is minimized, but measurement precision and reliability of load assessment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical weight measurement methods with automated image recognition and computer vision technologies. By capturing images of objects and using algorithms to determine their characteristics, the system achieves precise load assessment without requiring physical scales or complex mechanical monitoring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies (images) of the objects to be loaded and processes these copies to determine object characteristics. This approach allows for accurate assessment of load weight and dimensions without physically handling or measuring the actual objects, maintaining measurement precision while minimizing direct interaction with the cargo.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to estimate trailer load are disclosed. An example apparatus comprises memory, instructions, and programmable circuitry to execute the instructions to determine a threshold value associated with at least one of a vehicle or a trailer, the trailer couplable to the vehicle, access an image containing an object to be placed in the trailer, divide the image into segments, at least one of the segments corresponding to the object, determine a characteristic of the object based on the at least one of the segments, compare the characteristic to the threshold value, and determine at least one operating characteristic of the vehicle based on the comparison.