Commercial Vehicle Trailer Parameter Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern commercial vehicles lack effective methods to simply and cost-effectively provide drivers with accurate and reliable information about the dimensions, body, and load parameters of the vehicle and trailers, which hinders traffic safety and driver comfort.
Innovation Solution
Equipping commercial vehicles with image acquisition devices, such as cameras, oriented in the longitudinal direction, to capture images of the vehicle and trailer, using image processing to extract and output relevant parameters like length, height, type, number of axles, and load information, potentially utilizing existing devices for cost-effectiveness and accuracy through statistical evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image acquisition devices are installed to capture vehicle parameters, then measurement precision and reliability of vehicle parameters are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing single-function cameras (originally designed for blind spot monitoring or rearview assistance) to perform additional functions of measuring vehicle dimensions, trailer length, and load parameters through image processing algorithms, thereby avoiding additional dedicated measurement devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own existing camera infrastructure to serve dual purposes: original safety monitoring functions and new parameter measurement functions, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems and reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If dedicated image acquisition devices are installed for parameter determination, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing cameras perform multiple functions including parameter measurement, eliminating the need for dedicated measurement devices and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability through software-based measurement algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual models of the vehicle and trailer by processing images from existing cameras, generating accurate dimensional information without physical measurement tools, thereby reducing hardware costs while maintaining measurement reliability
3Ease of manufacture
If existing image acquisition devices are used for parameter determination, then ease of manufacture and cost are improved, but measurement precision and reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement systems with optical image-based measurement systems, using software algorithms to extract precise dimensional information from images captured by existing cameras, thereby maintaining precision while reducing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary between the existing cameras and the parameter determination process, enhancing the precision of measurements obtained from standard camera systems without requiring upgraded hardware
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for assisting the driver of a commercial vehicle, wherein the commercial vehicle (1, 9) has at least one image acquisition device (5), in particular at least one camera, oriented in the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle. According to the invention, at least one dimensional and/or structural and/or load characteristic of the commercial vehicle (1, 9), in particular of a tractor unit (1) and/or a trailer/semi-trailer (9) of a commercial vehicle combination, is extracted from the images (11) acquired by means of the at least one image acquisition device (5) by means of an image processing device.