Trailer Orientation Detection Using Two Image Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the orientation of a trailer relative to a towing vehicle are complex and require multiple sensors or triangulation, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a single detection device, such as a camera, to detect two distinct object areas on the trailer, allowing direct determination of orientation based on their relative positions in a projected image, eliminating the need for complex triangulation and enabling autonomous or automated coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detection devices or triangulation methods are used to determine trailer orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single detection device that captures two-dimensional image data containing information about multiple object areas at different depths. By analyzing the relative positions and sizes of these areas in the projected image, the system determines orientation without requiring multiple sensors or three-dimensional triangulation, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device captures a projected image that serves as a two-dimensional copy or representation of the three-dimensional spatial arrangement of object areas on the trailer. This image copy contains sufficient information to determine orientation and distance through image processing, eliminating the need for multiple physical detection devices
2Measurement precision
If multiple detection devices are installed to capture comprehensive trailer information, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A single detection device is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting multiple object areas, determining both distance and orientation, and providing data for automated coupling control. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized sensors, simplifying installation and calibration while maintaining high measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If complex triangulation methods are used to determine orientation from distance data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts orientation information directly from the two-dimensional image data by analyzing the relative positions and characteristics of multiple object areas. This extraction method eliminates the need for complex triangulation calculations, reducing processing complexity while maintaining the ability to accurately determine trailer orientation
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for ascertaining an orientation of a trailer (20) relative to a tractor vehicle (10), in particular an orientation of a semitrailer relative to a semitrailer tractor, wherein the tractor vehicle (10) has at least one detection device (15) which detects a first object region (21) on the trailer (20) and a second object region (22) on the trailer (20), comprising: - imaging the first object region (21) and the second object region (22) by means of the at least one detection device (15); - providing the image detected by means of the at least one detection device (15) to an evaluation device, and - assigning a first information item to the first object region (21) and a second information item to the second object region (22) by means of the evaluation device, - determining the orientation of the trailer (20) relative to the tractor vehicle (10) on the basis of the first information item and the second information item by means of the evaluation device.