Trailer Orientation Detection Using Dual Camera Reference Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining trailer orientation with respect to a towing vehicle are limited by pitch angle variations, which affect accuracy and reliability, particularly in camera-based approaches.
Innovation Solution
The method involves identifying two predetermined reference structures in a camera image and determining trailer orientation based on their positions, using relative information to compensate for pitch angle variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to determine trailer orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) into a single integrated sensor unit mounted on the trailer. This merging approach maintains high measurement precision by utilizing data from multiple sensors while reducing overall system complexity through unified processing and a single physical mounting location.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: determining azimuth orientation, pitch angle, and roll angle simultaneously using the same sensor array. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve comprehensive orientation measurement without requiring separate sensor systems for each parameter, thereby maintaining precision while controlling complexity.
2Reliability
If sensors are mounted on the trailer, then trailer orientation detection is enabled, but additional weight is added to the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system utilizes the trailer's existing structure and motion characteristics to perform orientation detection. The sensors leverage the trailer's natural movement and gravitational field without requiring additional heavy mounting structures or external support systems, thereby enabling detection capability while minimizing added weight.
3Measurement precision
If complex sensor processing algorithms are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores transformation matrices and calibration parameters during system initialization. This preliminary action allows the runtime processing to focus only on real-time sensor data fusion and orientation calculation, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining high precision through the pre-prepared computational framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical orientation measurement systems with electronic sensor-based detection and software-based calculation. This substitution enables the use of efficient digital signal processing algorithms that can quickly compute orientation from sensor data, achieving high precision without the time delays associated with mechanical measurement systems.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy and reliability of trailer orientation determination, allowing for improved trailer tracking even with significant pitch angle variations, and is applicable in various scenarios without the need for dedicated reference patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor suite mounted on the trailer and operative to detect forces acting on the trailer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6
AI summary
According to a method for determining a trailer orientation, an image (13) depicting a component (14) of the trailer (12) is generated by means of a camera system (15). Predetermined first and second reference structures (16, 18) are identified based on the image (13). The trailer orientation is determined by means of a computing unit (17) depending on the reference structures (16, 18).