Trailer Snapshot Comparison for Load Status Change Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial vehicle monitoring systems lack the ability to accurately detect changes in trailer load status between engine cycles, relying on driver observation which may be unreliable, especially during extended periods when the driver is away from the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing cameras to capture snapshots of the trailer at specific engine cycle events (end and start of an ignition cycle), comparing these snapshots to detect deviations indicative of load status changes, and automatically determining the trailer's level state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If driver observation is used to detect trailer load status changes, then the system is simple and requires no additional sensors, but the detection reliability is low especially when the driver is away from the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual observation system (driver looking at trailer) with an optical sensing system (cameras capturing images). The camera-based system automatically detects trailer load status changes by analyzing image data, eliminating the need for continuous driver observation while significantly improving detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the trailer monitoring function to serve itself through automated image capture and analysis. The cameras continuously or periodically capture trailer images, and the processing system automatically compares these images to detect load status changes, making the system autonomous and independent of driver presence.
2Measurement precision
If continuous camera monitoring is implemented to detect trailer load changes, then detection accuracy improves, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic action by capturing images at specific triggering events (ignition cycle start/end). This approach maintains detection accuracy by capturing critical moments when load changes are most likely to occur, while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing images at predetermined triggering events before actual load changes occur. By monitoring at ignition cycle transitions when trailers are most likely to be loaded or unloaded, the system proactively captures evidence of load status changes without requiring continuous operation.
3Reliability
If multiple cameras are used to capture trailer images for load detection, then detection reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using existing camera infrastructure for multiple purposes. The same cameras used for general vehicle monitoring and safety are also utilized for trailer load status detection, eliminating the need for dedicated specialized sensors and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the trailer load detection function with the existing camera monitoring system. By combining these functions into a single integrated system rather than adding separate dedicated sensors, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining detection reliability through image analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting a load status change of a trailer includes responding to a first triggering event by storing a first snapshot of a trailer that is generated by at least one camera that is local to a vehicle that includes the trailer, responding to a subsequent second triggering event by storing a second snapshot of the trailer that is generated by the at least one camera that is local to the vehicle that includes the trailer, comparing the first snapshot to the second snapshot and determining a deviation between the image of the first snapshot and the image of the second snapshot, and identifying a trailer load status change as having occurred in response to the deviation exceeding a predefined magnitude.