Hitch Assist System Using Image Patch Segmentation for Coupler Height Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a vehicle to attach a tow hitch to a trailer can be challenging, especially for drivers unfamiliar with the hitching process, as it requires precise alignment and measurement to ensure a secure connection.
Innovation Solution
A hitch assist system that uses an imager to capture images of the trailer, allows user input to specify the hitch coupler location, and employs image processing to estimate the trailer height and distance, enabling accurate alignment and autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle control during the hitching process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a driver manually reverses a vehicle to attach a tow hitch to a trailer, then the driver can complete the hitching task, but the process is challenging and requires precise alignment that is difficult to achieve without assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated vision-based system. The imager captures images of the trailer coupler, and the controller processes these images to automatically determine the coupler's location and calculate precise alignment parameters, substituting the driver's manual visual estimation and physical alignment efforts with automated optical measurement and computational geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vehicle to self-align with the trailer coupler by providing the driver with real-time visual feedback and guidance. The display shows the detected coupler position and alignment status, allowing the driver to make minor adjustments based on objective system feedback rather than subjective visual judgment, making the operation easier and more precise.
2Measurement precision
If the system uses image processing to identify the hitch coupler location, then alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional imaging and processing components
Solution Approach 1:
The imager serves multiple functions: it captures images for coupler detection, provides real-time visual feedback to the driver, and enables automatic calculation of alignment parameters. The display device similarly serves both as a diagnostic tool for system status and as a guidance interface for the driver. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the physical scene by capturing an image of the trailer coupler. This optical copy is then processed to extract precise location information without requiring physical contact or complex mechanical measurement devices. The digital representation allows for easy manipulation and analysis of coupler position and orientation.
3Ease of operation
If the system provides detailed alignment guidance and measurements, then the ease of operation improves for inexperienced drivers, but the loss of information increases due to the complexity of processing and displaying multiple parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The complex alignment task is segmented into distinct visual elements displayed on the screen: the detected coupler position, alignment guidance indicators, and status information. By breaking down the comprehensive alignment data into discrete, easily interpretable visual segments, the system presents detailed information without overwhelming the driver, maintaining ease of operation while providing comprehensive guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch assist system and method are provided herein. An imager captures one or more images of a trailer having a hitch coupler. A user-input device is provided for specifying a location of the hitch coupler in the one or more captured images. A controller generates an image patch around the user-specified location, segments the image patch to identify the hitch coupler, and estimates a trailer height based on a height and projective geometry of the imager.