Truck Bed Load Monitoring With Camera Alerts for Shifting Cargo

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drivers cannot safely monitor loads in vehicles, especially when the load shifts or becomes unstable, as the rear compartments are often out of view while driving, posing risks of fragile items breaking or falling out.

Innovation Solution

A monitoring system equipped with cameras and an electronic control unit that captures image data, determines load movement, and provides notifications when the movement exceeds a threshold, using machine learning algorithms and edge computing for real-time processing and prediction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the driver monitors the load continuously, then the load stability can be ensured, but the driver cannot focus on driving safely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload stabilityVSAvoiddriving safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces cameras and image processing systems as intermediaries between the driver and the load. The driver does not directly monitor the load but receives processed information (alerts, images) from the monitoring system, allowing the driver to focus on driving while the system handles load surveillance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual monitoring system (driver's eyes and attention) with an electronic monitoring system using cameras, processors, and alert mechanisms. This substitution allows continuous automated monitoring without requiring driver attention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the driver stops to check the load frequently, then the load position can be verified, but the transportation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload position accuracyVSAvoidtransportation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides continuous feedback through image capture and processing, comparing current load positions with reference positions. The driver receives targeted alerts only when actual deviations exceed thresholds, eliminating the need for frequent unnecessary stops while maintaining accurate load position verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuous monitoring that would require constant driver attention, the system uses selective monitoring - capturing images continuously but only generating alerts when load movement exceeds predetermined thresholds. This partial action approach maintains productivity while ensuring load security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If no load monitoring system is used, then the system complexity is low, but the risk of load shifting and falling out increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidload shifting risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If the driver relies on visual monitoring only, then the monitoring cost is low, but the monitoring coverage and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring reliabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12157485B2Truck bed hauling warning system for shifting loads

Publication Date: 2024.12.03 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatus for a monitoring system to monitor and detect a vehicle load. The monitoring system includes a first camera configured to capture first image data including a load in the vehicle, a memory configured to store image data, and an electronic control unit coupled to the first camera and the memory. The electronic control unit is configured to obtain, from the first camera, the first image data including the load, determine a movement of the load based on the first image data, and provide a notification when the movement of the load exceeds a first threshold.