Trailer Driver Assistance With Compressed Obstacle Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver assistance systems for utility vehicles with trailers lack compatibility with changing trailer configurations, often due to the absence of standardized data connections and high costs associated with installing camera-based monitoring systems, leading to increased risk of damage during reversing maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A driver assistance system utilizing optical or acoustic sensors, image processing units, and wireless data connections to transmit compressed object information to a terminal for graphical representation, allowing for reliable and cost-effective installation and operation without the need for high-performance wired connections, enabling obstacle detection and load compartment monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If camera-based monitoring systems are installed in trailers, then obstacle detection capability is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a standard audio interface (auxiliary input) that already exists in most vehicles for its original audio function, while simultaneously enabling camera monitoring. This multi-functional use of existing infrastructure eliminates the need for separate dedicated camera connections, reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable obstacle detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (such as a smartphone or tablet) that receives camera signals through the audio interface and displays them. This intermediary acts as a bridge between the camera system and the vehicle's existing audio/visual infrastructure, simplifying installation by avoiding direct integration with complex vehicle systems while ensuring reliable obstacle detection and display.
2Reliability
If high-performance wired data connections are used for camera data transfer, then data transfer reliability is improved, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the vehicle's existing auxiliary audio input, which is a standard feature in most vehicles, to transfer camera data. This approach leverages pre-installed infrastructure for both audio and video data transfer, eliminating the need for time-consuming installation of specialized high-performance wired connections while maintaining sufficient data transfer reliability for monitoring purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs consumer-grade devices such as smartphones or tablets with built-in cameras and processing capabilities. These devices use standard connectivity options (audio jack, wireless connections) that require no special installation infrastructure. The devices can be easily connected and disconnected, providing reliable data transfer without permanent installation, thus reducing both installation time and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standardized data connections are implemented between towing vehicle and trailer, then system compatibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to work with the universal auxiliary audio input that is standard equipment in most vehicles. By using this widely adopted interface for camera data transfer, the system achieves broad compatibility across different vehicle models and manufacturers without requiring custom standardized connections, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of equipping trailers with specialized standardized data connections (which would increase manufacturing cost), the patent inverts the approach by using the towing vehicle's existing standard audio interface. This reverses the traditional direction of specialization, allowing any vehicle with an auxiliary input to support camera monitoring, thus achieving compatibility without increasing trailer manufacturing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a driver assistance system (16) for a utility vehicle (2) with a trailer (8), which system can be used to observe and/or monitor a space (14, 36) behind a driver's cab (6) and has the following: —at least one optical or acoustic sensor (18, 20, 22) which is arranged behind the driver's cab, —wherein, by means of this sensor, images and image sequences within a field of view of the sensor can be captured, —an image processing unit (24) which is electrically connected to the optical or acoustic sensor, —wherein, in the image processing unit, image processing software for image data analysis and image compression is stored, and wherein the image processing unit, by means of the captured images or image sequences, can detect objects and analyse their size, position and movement in relation to a vehicle-fixed coordinate system and can generate compressed object information therefrom, a first wired or wireless data connection (26), —an electronic control unit (28) which has a data input side and a data output side and is separate from the image processing unit, —wherein the electronic control unit is connected or can be connected on the data input side via the first data connection to the image processing unit in order to transfer the object information generated by the image processing unit, —a second wireless data connection (30), and—an electronic terminal (32) having a user interface (34) which is positioned outside the trailer, as well as other features.