Abstract: The invention relates to a method (100) for recognizing patterns (210) in image data (310), comprising the following steps: providing (101) the image data (310), determining (102) gradient information (410) on the basis of the image data (310) provided, wherein the gradient information (410) correlates with at least one image gradient in the image data (310) provided, determining (103) edge information (420) on the basis of the image data (310) provided, wherein the edge information (420) represents at least one or multiple edge image points (430) in the image data (310) provided, evaluating (104) the image data (310) provided on the basis of the gradient information (410) and the edge information (420), providing (105) at least one or multiple pattern representations (450) for the recognition of the pattern (210) on the basis of the evaluation (104).

Abstract: A method and a device for operating a tractor including a trailer. The method includes detecting the surroundings behind the tractor through the clearance underneath the trailer using a surroundings sensor system, which, for this purpose, is mounted close to the roadway surface from the tractor, in particular underneath a connection between the tractor and the trailer, the surroundings sensor system including at least one video sensor. The method further includes determining objects in these surroundings, which are not encompassed by the trailer, by recognizing individual, in particular moving, integral parts of the trailer as such and excluding these in a targeted manner, determining a driving strategy for the tractor depending on the objects in the surroundings, and operating the tractor depending on the driving strategy.