Camera Trailer End Verification for Low-Speed Backing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera-based systems struggle to accurately track the position of a trailer end, especially during backward maneuvering and at low speeds, due to limitations in sensor reliability and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses camera images to determine feature points based on image parameters, generates a block grid, and compares it with stored block grids to verify and correct the trailer end position, ensuring accurate tracking regardless of trailer type or sensor information.
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 tracking accuracy is insufficient at low speeds and during backward maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary between the vehicle sensors and the trailer end tracking function. The camera captures images of the trailer, and image processing algorithms extract the trailer end position from visual data, serving as a mediator that provides accurate tracking independent of vehicle speed or sensor limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based tracking system with an optical imaging system. Instead of relying on wheel sensors and mechanical measurements that fail at low speeds, the system uses camera images and computational image processing to determine trailer end position, substituting mechanical measurement with optical detection and algorithmic analysis.
2Ease of operation
If conventional mirror systems are replaced by camera systems, then the driver always has a view of the field of view, but the rear part of the trailer is lost and the end of the trailer disappears from the monitor image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the trailer end detection function from the general camera monitoring system. By specifically identifying and extracting the trailer end position through image processing algorithms, the system separates this critical information from the overall field of view, ensuring it remains visible and trackable regardless of trailer position or vehicle maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by focusing image processing resources on detecting the trailer end region. The system selectively processes specific areas of the image to identify trailer end features, applying enhanced detection algorithms to the relevant portion of the image while maintaining overall system performance.
3Reliability
If known methods for tracking the end of a trailer are used, then tracking can be provided above certain speeds, but in accuracies occur that may need to be corrected and cannot be used for maneuvering backward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal trailer end tracking system that functions across all maneuvering conditions. The image processing approach serves multiple functions: it tracks the trailer end during forward motion at high speeds, during backward maneuvering at low speeds, and in various trailer configurations. This single system replaces multiple specialized systems with different operational limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the tracking system by using image-based detection instead of sensor-based detection. This parameter change allows the system to operate reliably across the full range of speeds and maneuvering conditions, as camera systems and image processing algorithms are not constrained by the minimum speed thresholds that limit mechanical sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera-based system of a vehicle having a towing unit (4) and an rearwardly extending pivotable trailer (5) has at least one image capturing device (2) located at the towing unit (4) and having an image sensor for capturing camera images (6) of the trailer (5) which are successive in time; at least one display (1) for displaying a camera image (6) captured by the at least one image capturing device (2); and at least one processor (3) configured for performing a method for verifying information about a trailer end position received from an external method, and for determining and verifying a trailer end.