Trailer Tracking Apparatus Target-less Feature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer tracking systems require a target to be mounted on the trailer, which can be time-consuming to set up and may not be feasible for all trailer configurations, and their accuracy is affected in low visibility conditions, limiting control functions.
Innovation Solution
A trailer tracking apparatus that uses an imaging sensor on the vehicle to detect and characterize elements in the image data, distinguishing between persistent and transient elements to determine trailer movement without the need for a target, allowing for target-less tracking and simplifying the setup process, and improving accuracy in various conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a target is mounted on the trailer to enable tracking, then the trailer can be tracked by the imaging sensor, but the setup process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the target component from the trailer tracking system entirely. Instead of detecting a mounted target, the system directly detects and tracks natural features of the trailer itself (such as corners, edges, or distinctive geometric patterns) using the imaging sensor. This extraction of the target requirement eliminates the time-consuming setup process while maintaining tracking capability through direct feature detection and characterization of persistent elements in the image data.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer effectively tracks itself by utilizing its own inherent visual features rather than requiring an external target. The imaging sensor captures image data of the trailer, and the processor identifies persistent geometric features that naturally exist on the trailer structure. This self-service approach allows the system to function without additional components, reducing setup time and complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If a target is mounted on the trailer to enable tracking, then the trailer can be tracked, but the system complexity increases due to target installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the target component from the system. The tracking functionality is achieved by detecting and characterizing persistent geometric features that naturally exist on the trailer structure, such as corners, edges, or distinctive patterns. This removal of the target requirement simplifies the overall system architecture by eliminating installation hardware, mounting structures, and associated calibration procedures, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging sensor serves multiple functions: it captures image data for both trailer detection and environmental monitoring. The processor analyzes persistent features in the image data to determine trailer position, orientation, and movement without requiring separate target detection systems. This multi-functional approach reduces system complexity by consolidating tracking capabilities into the existing imaging sensor rather than adding dedicated target detection hardware.
3Reliability
If prior art tracking systems are used without target-less capability, then tracking can be achieved, but the system fails in low visibility conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of persistent geometric features during normal visibility conditions, establishing a reference model of the trailer's visual features. This preliminary action allows the system to maintain tracking reliability in low visibility conditions by comparing current image data against the established feature model, enabling it to distinguish between actual trailer features and artifacts caused by poor visibility, thus improving adaptability across different environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the characteristics of detected persistent features and adjusts its detection parameters based on visibility conditions. By analyzing the evolution of geometric features over time and comparing them against expected patterns, the system provides feedback to maintain tracking accuracy. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to varying visibility conditions, maintaining reliability whether conditions are clear or obscured, thereby improving operational condition adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a trailer tracking apparatus (2) for monitoring movement of a trailer (3) connected to a vehicle (1). The trailer tracking apparatus (2) has a controller (5) comprising an electronic processor (6) having an electrical input for receiving image data (DAT) from an imaging sensor (10) disposed on the vehicle (1). An electronic memory device (7) having instructions stored therein is electrically coupled to the electronic processor (6). The electronic processor (6) is configured to access the memory device (7) and to execute the instructions stored therein. The electronic processor (6) is operable to select a subset of said image data (DATSUB1). One or more element (16) are detected and monitored within the selected subset (DATSUB1) of said image data (DAT). The electronic processor (6) determines movement of the trailer (3) relative to the vehicle (1) in dependence on evolution of said one or more detected element (16) with respect to time. The present disclosure also relates to a method of tracking a trailer (3); and to a vehicle (1) incorporating the trailer tracking apparatus (2).