Hitch Assist System Using Projective Geometry for Trailer Coupler Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of hitching a vehicle to a trailer can be difficult, especially for inexperienced users, necessitating a system that simplifies the process in a intuitive and assistive manner.
Innovation Solution
A hitch assist system that includes an imager for capturing images of the trailer coupler, a user-input device for specifying hitch ball specifications, and a controller for estimating hitch ball height and trailer height using projective geometry, providing an overlay on a display to aid in aligning the hitch ball with the coupler.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual hitching process is used, then the system is simple, but the difficulty of operation increases for inexperienced users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of imaging devices, processors, and display interfaces that mediate between the user and the hitching task. The system captures images of the trailer coupler, processes them to determine height and alignment, and provides visual guidance through overlays, thereby reducing the operational difficulty without requiring the user to directly perform complex alignment tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment procedures with an automated optical and computational system. Instead of relying on physical trial-and-error alignment, the system uses imagers to capture visual data, processors to analyze geometric relationships and calculate heights, and display devices to present alignment guidance, substituting mechanical intuition with computational analysis
2Ease of operation
If visual guidance system is added, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by having the imaging system serve multiple purposes: capturing images of the trailer coupler, determining its height relative to the hitch ball, assessing alignment, and providing visual feedback. The same hardware components perform several functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated devices for each task
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the real-world hitching scenario through captured images and processed graphics. The display system presents a copied view of the coupler position and alignment status, allowing the user to see a simplified representation that guides the physical alignment task without adding complex mechanical guidance mechanisms
3Manufacturing precision
If height estimation accuracy is improved, then the manufacturing precision of alignment increases, but the measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from direct one-dimensional height measurement to two-dimensional image analysis. By capturing the coupler in an image and analyzing its geometric relationship with reference points, the system determines height indirectly through projective geometry calculations, converting a difficult direct measurement problem into a more manageable image processing task
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images and pre-processing visual data before the actual hitching alignment occurs. The height estimation and alignment assessment are completed in advance based on image analysis, allowing the user to make informed adjustments without requiring real-time ultra-precise measurements during the critical alignment moment
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch assist system is provided herein that includes an imager for capturing one or more images of a trailer having a coupler. The hitch assist system may also include a user-input device for inputting specifications of a hitch ball. A controller within the hitch assist system may be used for estimating a hitch ball height based on the inputted specifications and estimating a trailer height based on a height and projective geometry of the imager.