Cooperative Trailer Backup Assist for Multi-Spotter Obstacle Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Remote Trailer Maneuver Assist (ReTMA) systems lack virtual bumpers for the trailer perimeter and above the vehicle or trailer, making it challenging to navigate tight spaces and avoid obstacles during trailer backup operations.
Innovation Solution
A cooperative backup assist system that utilizes multiple wirelessly connected mobile devices to monitor and control trailer maneuvering operations, allowing for collective control and obstacle avoidance by positioning spotters at optimal vantage points, including elevated positions, to provide a comprehensive view of the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single remote device is used for ReTMA control, then the system is simpler to operate, but the ability to monitor and control all areas around the vehicle-trailer pair is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring and control function into multiple independent remote devices, each operated by a spotter at different locations. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of all areas around the vehicle-trailer pair while maintaining simple operation at each device
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds spatial distribution as a new dimension by positioning multiple devices at different locations (front, rear, sides) and elevations around the vehicle-trailer pair, transforming a single-point control into a distributed multi-dimensional monitoring network
2Loss of information
If multiple remote devices are used for ReTMA control, then the monitoring coverage and obstacle detection capability are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each remote device performs multiple functions including monitoring, obstacle detection, and control operations, eliminating the need for specialized equipment at each location and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of multiple remote devices into a unified control architecture where all devices communicate with the vehicle's control system, allowing coordinated operation and simplified integration
3Device complexity
If conventional ReTMA system with single device is used, then the system architecture is simpler, but the obstacle avoidance capability in tight spaces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary obstacle detection by positioning spotter devices at strategic locations before maneuvering begins, allowing potential collision risks to be identified and addressed in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes continuous feedback loops where multiple remote devices provide real-time information about obstacles and environmental conditions, enabling dynamic adjustment of the maneuvering path to avoid collisions
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for operating a vehicle during a remote trailer parking operation include receiving, via a processor, a control instruction from a first mobile device indicative of a first curvature command providing directional control of a vehicle, and a first user engagement indicator. The processor may receive, from a second mobile device, a second control instruction from a second mobile device, the second control instruction can include a second user engagement indicator. The system may determine, based on the first user engagement indicator that first user engagement meets a threshold, and determine, based on the second user engagement indicator that second user engagement meets a threshold. Responsive to determining user engagement with the trailer parking procedure, the processor may cause a vehicle controller to operate the vehicle to park a trailer pivotably disposed with the vehicle based on the first curvature command, the first user engagement indicator, and the second user engagement indicator, to complete a remote trailer parking operation.