Vehicle-Side Camera Overlays for Distance and Trailer Angle Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers face challenges in accurately evaluating distances and trailer angles when transitioning from conventional mirrors to camera assemblies, as the size of the rear vehicle part is harder to assess due to varying trailer angles, which can obstruct the field of vision and hinder safe driving.
Innovation Solution
A method for adapting an overlaid image on a vehicle monitor using recognizable patterns from the captured image, such as the ground-sky line or vehicle elements, with a vertical line intersecting a pointer to provide a dynamic and personalized visual indication of distances and trajectory, allowing the driver to better assess distances and trailer angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If camera assemblies are used to replace conventional mirrors, then the driver's compartment space is improved and aerodynamic resistance is reduced, but the driver's ability to evaluate distances and trailer angles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of projection means that projects reference lines and markers onto the captured image from the camera assembly. These projected elements serve as a mediator between the camera feed and the driver, providing visual references for distance and angle estimation without requiring physical mirrors in the driver's compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the mirror functionality by overlaying graphical elements (reference lines, markers, trajectory indicators) on the camera captured image. This copying approach replicates the distance and angle information that would traditionally be provided by physical mirrors, allowing the driver to evaluate spatial relationships accurately while using a compact camera system.
2Loss of information
If camera assemblies with overlaid images are used, then information display capability is improved, but visual obstruction and field of vision blockage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically placing reference lines, markers, and trajectory indicators only in specific regions of the captured image where they provide maximum benefit for distance and angle estimation. The overlay elements are concentrated in areas that do not block the driver's view of the actual environment, ensuring that critical visual information remains accessible while still providing enhanced measurement capabilities.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A method for adapting an overlaid image (23) displayed on a monitor (16) located in a cab of a vehicle, the vehicle comprising at least one camera-monitor assembly provided with a control unit and a camera for providing a captured image (19) of an area located rearwards and along one and/or the other vehicle side, the method comprising: defining a location on an embedded element of the vehicle side as a target (27) on the captured image (19); processing the captured image (19) by tracking the target (27) position and by tracking at least one recognizable pattern (28) linked to a horizontal dimension (30) on the captured image (19); displaying on the monitor (16) an overlaid image (23) including the captured image (19) and an adapting overlayer (29), the adapting overlayer (29) comprising a pointer (31) on the target (27) and an overlaid element (33), the overlaid element (33) extending in an area of the captured image (19) delimited, horizontally according to the horizontal dimension (30) defined with the orientation of the at least one recognizable pattern (28), on one side by the pointer (31) and on the other side by a side (35) of the monitor (16) extending transversally to the horizontal dimension and corresponding to the cab (3) position in the captured image (19).