Auxiliary Lighting for Camera-Guided Trailer Hitch Reversing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hitching a trailer to a vehicle is a difficult and time-consuming process due to the challenge of aligning the vehicle hitch ball with the trailer hitch, often requiring repeated driving maneuvers and lack of visibility, which can lead to collisions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle hitching assistance system that uses a controller to acquire image data, identify a trailer and its coupler within a specified area, and output a steering signal to align the hitch ball with the coupler, incorporating imaging systems, exterior lights, and human-machine interfaces for user input and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual hitching alignment is used, then the driver has full control over the positioning, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple repeated maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated image processing system that uses computer vision to detect the trailer coupler and calculate the optimal steering angle, substituting driver manual control with automated visual recognition and computational geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vehicle to automatically perform the alignment task by processing images of the trailer, calculating the required steering adjustments, and executing the positioning maneuver without requiring the driver to repeatedly exit and check alignment manually
2Measurement precision
If the driver manually aligns the hitch ball with the coupler, then visibility of the alignment target is required, but the hitch ball and coupler cannot be seen under ordinary circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human visual detection with automated image capture and processing systems that use cameras and computer vision algorithms to detect the trailer coupler position, eliminating the need for human visual line-of-sight to the distant and small coupler target
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from direct human visual observation to multi-dimensional image data processing, using camera arrays and computational algorithms to create a digital representation of the alignment geometry that can be precisely measured without requiring direct visual perception of the physical components
3Measurement precision
If the driver repeatedly stops to check alignment, then positioning accuracy can be confirmed, but the hitching process becomes time-consuming and disruptive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous visual feedback through image capture and processing that monitors the alignment progress in real-time, providing the driver with visual information about hitch ball position relative to the coupler without requiring physical stopping or manual checking
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous image processing and alignment monitoring throughout the hitching maneuver, eliminating interruptions and keeping the alignment assessment process ongoing without requiring the driver to stop the vehicle or break concentration
4Measurement precision
If the vehicle overshoots the alignment position, then the hitch ball can be positioned past the coupler, but a collision with the trailer occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates the optimal steering angle and positioning trajectory in advance based on image data of the trailer position and vehicle dimensions, incorporating safety margins and collision avoidance constraints into the alignment algorithm before the maneuver is executed
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces intuitive driver judgment with automated image-based position detection and computational calculation of the precise stopping point, using visual feedback and geometric modeling to determine the exact moment when the hitch ball reaches optimal alignment without overshooting
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle hitching assistance system includes a controller executing an initial alignment process including searching for a trailer within a specified area of image data that is less than a total field of the image data in directions corresponding with both a longitudinal distance between the vehicle and the trailer and a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal distance, presenting an indication to a driver of the vehicle to reposition the vehicle when the trailer is not identified within the specified area, and removing the indication when the trailer is identified within the specified area. The controller further executes an automated backing process upon identifying the trailer within the specified area, including identifying a coupler of the trailer and outputting a steering signal to the vehicle to cause the vehicle to steer to align a hitch ball of the vehicle with the coupler of the trailer during reversing.