Trailer Panoramic View Stitching for Reverse Articulation Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tow vehicle drivers face difficulties maneuvering the vehicle-trailer system in the rearward direction due to limited visibility behind the trailer, necessitating a system that provides a panoramic view of the rearward environment.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that combine images from rear and side trailer cameras with data processing to generate a panoramic view, which is then projected within a boundary of a trailer representation on a display, allowing drivers to see a wider area by stitching and adjusting the viewing area based on trailer angle and driver input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to capture images from different angles, then the panoramic view coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines images from multiple cameras (rear trailer camera, right-side trailer camera, left-side trailer camera, and rear vehicle camera) into a single panoramic view displayed within the trailer representation boundary. This merging approach achieves comprehensive coverage while managing system complexity through integrated image processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from multiple separate camera views to a unified panoramic representation by projecting the stitched images onto a two-dimensional display boundary. This dimensional transformation consolidates multi-angle information into a single comprehensive view that fits within the display constraints.
2Area of stationary object
If the viewing area is adjusted to show more of the panoramic view, then the visibility is improved, but the accuracy of representing the actual trailer position may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the viewing area within the panoramic view based on trailer angle and driver input. The viewing area can be expanded or contracted to balance visibility needs with positional accuracy, allowing the system to adapt to different maneuvering scenarios while maintaining the boundary constraint for accurate representation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for providing a panoramic view (152) of an environment behind a trailer (106) of a vehicle-trailer system (100). The method includes receiving a first image (133, 133b) from a rear trailer camera (132, 132b), a second image (133, 133c) from a right-side trailer camera (132, 132c), and a third image (133, 133d) from a left-side trailer camera (132, 132d). The method includes determining a panoramic view (152) based on the first image (133, 133b), the second image (133, 133c), and the third image (133, 133d). Additionally, the method includes determining a trailer angle (α) based on sensor system data (131) received from a sensor system (130). The method includes determining a viewing area (154) within the panoramic view (152) based on the trailer angle (α) and sending instructions (156) to a display (122) to display the viewing area (154).