Trailer Orientation Sensing 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 distort camera images and reduce accuracy, especially in camera-based approaches.

Innovation Solution

The method identifies two predetermined reference structures in a camera image and determines trailer orientation based on their positions, using relative information to compensate for pitch angle variations and improve accuracy, allowing for more reliable orientation determination across a broader range of scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single reference structure is used to determine trailer orientation, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to pitch angle variations distorting the camera image

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrailer orientation accuracyVSAvoidreference structure identification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the reference structure identification into two separate reference structures instead of using a single reference structure. This segmentation allows the system to compensate for pitch angle variations by using relative position information between the two structures, thereby improving measurement precision without excessive complexity increase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from using a single reference structure (one-dimensional approach) to using two reference structures (two-dimensional approach). By adding this additional dimension of reference, the system can calculate relative positions and compensate for pitch angle distortions, improving orientation accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If camera-based approaches are used to determine trailer orientation, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability deteriorates under significant pitch angle variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation determination reliabilityVSAvoidpitch angle distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of pitch angle variations into a beneficial measurement. By using two reference structures and calculating their relative positions, the system can actually determine pitch angle information and compensate for its distorting effects, turning the harmful distortion into useful data for improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the relative position information from two reference structures is used to compensate for pitch angle variations. This feedback loop allows the system to continuously correct for distortions and maintain reliable orientation determination under varying pitch conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12175763B2Determining a trailer orientation

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 CONNAUGHT ELECTRONICS

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).