Camera-Based Coupling Assistance Trajectory Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupling a trailer or semi-trailer to a towing vehicle is a complex and difficult maneuver for drivers, requiring intricate steering corrections due to the limited ability to assess and execute an optimal coupling trajectory, especially during the reversing process.
Innovation Solution
A camera-based driver assistance system that uses image processing algorithms to calculate and display an optimal coupling trajectory, providing the driver with necessary steering instructions and potentially performing automatic steering interventions to facilitate easy and quick coupling, utilizing cameras to detect the trailer's position and kinematic data to determine the target trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a driver manually assesses and executes coupling trajectory, then the driver has full control over the maneuver, but the coupling process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring intricate steering corrections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical steering control with an automated steering system that uses cameras and image processing algorithms to calculate and execute the optimal coupling trajectory. The control unit automatically controls the steering actuator to guide the towing vehicle along the calculated path, substituting the driver's manual assessment and steering actions with an automated system that processes visual data and executes precise steering movements.
2Ease of operation
If the driver manually estimates coupling trajectory, then no additional system complexity is introduced, but the coupling process becomes difficult and requires complex maneuvering corrections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single coupling assistance system: the camera captures images, the image processing algorithm calculates the trajectory, and the control unit executes steering control. This multi-functional integration reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function, as the control unit coordinates all operations through a unified process that automatically guides the vehicle during coupling maneuvers.
3Productivity
If automatic steering control is implemented, then coupling efficiency increases, but the driver loses manual control over the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the coupling process through camera images and compares the actual vehicle position and orientation with the calculated target trajectory. The control unit receives feedback about the current state and automatically adjusts steering commands to maintain alignment with the optimal path, providing real-time corrections that ensure accurate coupling while reducing the need for manual driver intervention.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a camera-based driver assistance system for a towing vehicle, in particular a towing vehicle of a commercial vehicle combination, with at least one rearward-facing camera (9) mounted on the towing vehicle (2). According to the invention, the driver assistance system is designed as a coupling assistance system and, to support a coupling process, uses the at least one camera (9) to detect a trailer/semi-trailer (3) parked behind the towing vehicle (2) and the position of its coupling device (4). By evaluating the video image data, an optimal coupling trajectory, as the optimal target trajectory (10) between the towing vehicle (2) and the trailer/semi-trailer (3), is calculated using image processing algorithms. The assistance system then communicates the optimal target trajectory (10) and/or necessary steering movements to the driver to maintain the target trajectory and/or automatically performs steering interventions.