Trailer Pose Determination Using Telltale Markers and Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems lack an efficient method to accurately determine the pose of a towed trailer in real-time with minimal operator intervention, requiring complex calibration and additional equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing existing vehicle imaging and sensor systems, including cameras and telltales on the trailer, to detect geometric relationships and calculate the trailer's angle relative to the towing vehicle, with minimal operator input and automatic calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex calibration and additional equipment are used to determine trailer pose, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual markers (telltales) on the trailer that create a simplified optical copy or representation of the trailer's position and orientation. The imaging system captures images of these markers, and the controller calculates pose information from the marker positions in the image, avoiding the need for complex direct measurement systems while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic sensing systems with an optical imaging system. Instead of using multiple sensors, encoders, or complex mechanical linkages to determine trailer pose, the system uses standard imaging technology to capture visual information and computationally derives pose data from the images of the telltales
2Measurement precision
If complex calibration and additional equipment are used to determine trailer pose, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic calibration and pose determination without requiring operator intervention. The controller automatically processes images of the telltales, calculates the trailer pose, and provides the information to the operator. The system serves itself by autonomously completing the measurement and calibration functions that would otherwise require manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The telltales are pre-positioned on the trailer in specific locations and orientations during manufacturing or installation. This preliminary placement is designed so that the imaging system can automatically capture and process the marker positions for accurate pose determination without requiring on-site calibration or adjustment by the operator
3Device complexity
If existing vehicle systems are utilized to determine trailer pose, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the local quality of the measurement by placing high-contrast, specifically-designed telltale markers at critical locations on the trailer. These markers have distinct visual characteristics that make them easily distinguishable and precisely measurable by the imaging system, thereby improving measurement precision while using the existing imaging hardware
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
Enables real-time determination of trailer pose with reduced complexity and cost, enhancing vehicle stability and safety systems, and allowing for automated towing operations with minimal operator interaction.
Implementation Method 1
An imaging system operable to image the telltales to provide trailer image data
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to determine trailer pose includes imaging first and second telltales affixed to a trailer to provide trailer image data. A controller is operable to determine trailer pose from the trailer image data. The trailer pose information may be provided to one or more controllers of a vehicle towing the trailer.