Vehicle Shadow Profiling for Trailer Height Dimension Alerts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle operators face difficulties in accurately determining the dimensions of cargo loaded on vehicles or trailers, particularly the height, which can lead to issues when driving in dimension-restricted areas, such as collisions with road furniture or inadequate interface for vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
A system that calculates vehicle and trailer dimensions using solar shadow information, involving a controller to determine solar position, detect actual shadows, compare them to expected shadows, and provide dimension notifications based on confidence levels, with features like shadow enhancement and confidence level calculation from image histograms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vehicle and trailer dimensions are manually measured or estimated by operators, then the process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient leading to collisions in dimension-restricted areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses shadow profiles as an intermediary to indirectly measure vehicle dimensions. Instead of directly measuring the vehicle, the system captures shadow images and extracts dimensional information from the shadow geometry, which preserves the vehicle's dimensional characteristics in a form that can be analyzed by image processing algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an optical-based shadow profiling system. The controller uses camera images and shadow analysis to automatically determine vehicle dimensions, eliminating the need for physical contact or complex mechanical measurement devices while improving precision
2Measurement precision
If camera systems are positioned to capture vehicle height directly, then measurement precision would improve, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from direct height measurement in the vertical dimension to indirect height measurement through shadow projection in the horizontal plane. By capturing the shadow profile on the ground and analyzing its geometric relationship with the vehicle, the system derives height information without requiring vertical measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the shadow as a copy or projection of the vehicle's dimensional characteristics. The shadow profile contains encoded information about the vehicle's height, length, and width, which can be decoded through image processing without directly observing the vehicle itself
3Reliability
If shadow profiling is used to estimate vehicle dimensions, then measurement precision and safety improve, but the reliability varies under different lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic shadow profiling system that adapts to varying lighting conditions. The controller continuously monitors shadow quality metrics and adjusts the confidence level of dimension estimates based on current environmental conditions, allowing the system to maintain reliability across different lighting scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller evaluates the quality of detected shadows and adjusts its dimension estimation accordingly. By monitoring shadow clarity, length, and geometric consistency, the system can determine when reliable measurements are possible and when conditions are insufficient, improving overall reliability through conditional estimation
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 accurate estimation of vehicle and trailer dimensions, providing reliable notifications to operators about potential obstructions, enhancing safety and usability in dimension-restricted environments.
Implementation Method 1
calculate solar position and an expected vehicle shadow based on geocode location, time and vehicle dynamics
Implementation Method 2
detect one or more actual vehicle shadows in one or more images from vehicle cameras
Implementation Method 3
compare the one or more actual vehicle shadows to one or more expected vehicle shadows; determine a dimension profile and max height point
Data Source
AI summary
A dimension calculation system in a host vehicle for dynamically calculating a vehicle dimension using solar shadow information is disclosed. The system is configured to: calculate solar position and an expected vehicle shadow based on geocode location, time and vehicle dynamics; detect an actual vehicle shadow in an image from a vehicle camera; compare the actual vehicle shadow to an expected vehicle shadow; determine a dimension profile and max height point for a vehicle plus vehicle cargo based on a comparison of the actual vehicle shadow to the expected vehicle shadow; calculate a confidence level for the dimension profile and max height point for the vehicle plus cargo; and use the dimension profile and max height point to provide one or more dimension notifications when the confidence level for the dimension profile and max height point for the vehicle plus cargo are above a first threshold level.