Vehicle Hitch Alignment Using Multi-Camera Vision and Steering Control
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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 maneuvers and lack of visibility, which can lead to collisions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle hitch assistance system utilizing exterior cameras and an image processor to identify the trailer hitch and obstacles, determining their height and position, and outputting steering commands to guide the vehicle into alignment while avoiding collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment methods are used to position the vehicle hitch ball with the trailer hitch, then the driver can control the vehicle, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires repeated maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated vision-based system. Cameras capture images of the trailer hitch, an image processor identifies the hitch location and calculates alignment parameters, and the system automatically guides the vehicle into proper position, eliminating the need for repeated manual trial-and-error maneuvers
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital representation of the physical hitching scenario by capturing images with cameras and processing them to generate a visual display showing the relative positions of the hitch ball and trailer hitch. This copied visual information guides the alignment process, replacing direct visual inspection and manual control
2Loss of information
If the driver attempts to visually align the hitch ball with the trailer hitch, then direct observation is possible, but the hitch ball and trailer hitch remain invisible during most of the alignment process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual display system that processes camera images and presents processed visual information to the driver. The display shows the relative positions of the hitch ball and trailer hitch, making invisible components visible through digital image processing and graphical representation
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional camera images to a processed visual display that represents the three-dimensional spatial relationship between the hitch ball and trailer hitch. The display provides depth and position information that helps the driver understand the alignment status without direct visual contact with the components
3Productivity
If the driver relies on experience to infer positioning, then manual control is maintained, but multiple stops and corrections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where cameras continuously monitor the position of the trailer hitch, the image processor analyzes the images to determine alignment status, and the visual display provides real-time feedback to the driver. This closed-loop system eliminates the need for experience-based inference and allows for continuous correction without stopping
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification and positioning calculations before the actual hitching connection is made. By pre-calculating the alignment path and providing advance visual guidance, the system reduces the need for last-minute corrections and multiple stops
4Measurement precision
If the vehicle is positioned close to the trailer for precise alignment, then alignment accuracy improves, but the risk of collision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual estimation of safe distances with an automated vision-based measurement system. Cameras and image processing accurately determine the precise position of the hitch ball relative to the trailer hitch, enabling close positioning for accurate alignment while maintaining safety through continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback on the relative position of the hitch ball and trailer hitch, allowing the driver to maintain optimal distance for alignment precision while avoiding collision. The real-time visual information enables precise control at close quarters
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle hitch assistance system includes first and second cameras on an exterior of the vehicle and an image processor. The image processor is programmed to identify an object in image data received from the first and second cameras and determine a height and a position of the object using the image data. The system further includes a controller outputting a steering command to a vehicle steering system to selectively guide the vehicle away from or into alignment with the object.