Trailer Identification via OCR for Adaptive Blind Zone Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer-detection systems do not account for the technical specifications of the trailer being towed, which can affect the safe operation of the host-vehicle and trailer combination, particularly in adjusting the blind-zone for detection.
Innovation Solution
A trailer-identification system that uses a camera to capture images of the trailer, identifies the trailer model through optical character recognition, and adjusts the blind-zone based on the trailer's specifications, including width, length, and angle, using a database and radar sensors to detect objects in the blind-zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If trailer detection uses generic detection zones, then the system is simpler to implement, but detection accuracy decreases for different trailer types
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system dynamically adjusts the blind-zone parameters based on the detected trailer model. The controller modifies the blind-zone size, shape, and monitoring sensitivity according to the specific trailer dimensions and characteristics, transforming a static detection system into an adaptive one that optimizes detection accuracy for each trailer type without requiring multiple fixed systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameters (blind-zone dimensions, radar sensor angles, detection thresholds) based on the identified trailer model. By storing multiple sets of detection parameters corresponding to different trailer models and selecting the appropriate set after identification, the system achieves high detection accuracy across various trailer types while maintaining a unified system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If the blind-zone is adjusted for each trailer model, then detection accuracy improves, but the time required for identification and adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-stores detection parameters and blind-zone configurations for multiple trailer models in advance. When a trailer is detected, the system quickly identifies the model type and retrieves the corresponding pre-configured parameters, avoiding the need for real-time calculation and adjustment. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces the time required for blind-zone adaptation while maintaining high detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If trailer specifications are included in the detection system, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-functional approach where the camera and controller serve dual purposes: first identifying the trailer model through character recognition, and then using that information to configure the blind-zone for detection. By integrating the identification and detection configuration functions into a single unified system, the patent avoids the need for separate complex subsystems while still incorporating comprehensive trailer specification data.
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
The system effectively identifies the trailer model and adjusts the blind-zone to improve detection accuracy, reducing false alerts and enhancing safety by considering the trailer's dimensions and orientation, thereby improving the detection of objects in the blind-zone.
Implementation Method 1
The camera is used to capture an image of a trailer towed by a host-vehicle
Implementation Method 2
using a database and radar sensors to detect objects in the blind-zone
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer-identification system is configured to identify a trailer towed by a host-vehicle. The system includes a camera and a controller. The camera is used to capture an image of a trailer towed by a host-vehicle. The controller is in communication with the camera and is configured to detect a character on the trailer, identify a trailer-model of the trailer based on the character, and adjust a blind-zone proximate to the host-vehicle based on the trailer-model.