Camera Trailer-End Tracking During Low-Speed Reverse Maneuvers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera-based systems struggle to accurately detect the position of a trailer end during backward maneuvering and at low speeds, especially when the trailer is pivotable and the buckling angle increases, causing the trailer end to disappear from the monitor image.
Innovation Solution
A method that processes successive camera images to determine the position of the trailer end by identifying feature points based on image parameters, selecting path elements along a predetermined direction, and generating a path to describe the trailer course, thereby accurately locating the trailer end edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If vehicle sensors are used to track the trailer end edge, then tracking can be provided at higher speeds, but reliable detection during backward maneuvering and at low speeds cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based detection system with an optical camera-based image processing system. The camera captures images of the trailer end edge, and image processing algorithms automatically identify and track the trailer end position based on image features, eliminating the speed-dependent limitations of mechanical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary between the camera and the tracking system. The algorithms process camera images to extract trailer end edge information, serving as a mediator that enables accurate detection across all speed conditions by translating visual information into positional data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the trailer buckling angle increases during cornering, then the trailer end may disappear from the monitor image, but the field of view cannot be expanded without adding more cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic image processing that adapts to changing trailer angles during cornering. The system continuously processes successive camera images to track the trailer end edge position, dynamically adjusting the tracking based on the current buckling angle without requiring additional cameras or changing the physical field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static field of view limitations to dynamic temporal processing by analyzing successive images over time. This allows the system to track the trailer end edge across different angles and positions by processing the time dimension of image sequences, effectively extending the usable field of view without adding hardware.
3Ease of operation
If conventional mirrors are replaced by camera systems, then the driver always has a view of the corresponding field of view, but the trailer end edge cannot be accurately tracked at low speeds and during backward maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processed trailer end edge position from successive camera images is continuously fed back to update the monitor display. This closed-loop system ensures that the trailer end position is accurately tracked and displayed in real-time, maintaining ease of operation while achieving precise detection across all speed conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Determining the position of a trailer end of a trailer (5) extending from a towing unit (4) of a vehicle and being pivotable thereto, by processing camera images (6) captured successively in time by an image sensor of an image capturing device (2) of a camera-based system; and determining a plurality of feature points (8) in the images (6) based on a parameter. The feature point (8) corresponds to a pixel in the image (6). Selecting relevant feature points from the plurality (8) along a preferred direction defined by density and position of the points (8) as path elements (10) based on a positional displacement (dx, dy) between the points (8) in an image (6) and corresponding points (8) in another image (6); generating a path (11) describing the trailer (5) along the preferred direction; and determining a position on the path (11) at the trailer end.