Hitch View Triggering Using CHMSL Camera Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of vehicles face difficulties in aligning trailer hitches with trailer couplers, often requiring repeated entry and exit of the vehicle or external guidance, due to the limitations of single-view rear-facing cameras during the coupling process.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine whether a vehicle is coupling with a trailer coupler, detect the trailer's position, and display a corresponding rear view video from multiple views based on the trailer type, using a center high mount stop lamp (CHMSL) camera and pre-stored coordinates of vehicle edges, to assist the operator in aligning the hitch with the coupler.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-view rear-facing camera is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment accuracy and visibility for hitching deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rear view is divided into multiple segmented views (full rear view, hitch area view, trailer coupler view) captured by a camera system. Each view focuses on specific zones relevant to different stages of the hitching process, providing detailed visibility without requiring multiple physical cameras through intelligent image segmentation and display.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single two-dimensional camera view to a multi-dimensional display system that shows multiple views simultaneously or switchably. This includes displaying the full rear view, zoomed-in hitch area, and trailer coupler position information in different zones, creating a comprehensive spatial understanding for the operator.
2Measurement precision
If multiple views are displayed to improve visibility, then the alignment accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single rear-facing camera performs multiple functions by capturing images that are processed to generate different views (full rear view, hitch area view, trailer coupler view). The system universally handles various hitching scenarios and trailer positions through one camera, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated cameras while maintaining comprehensive visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple virtual copies of the rear view from a single camera capture. Through image processing, it generates replicated views showing different zones and perspectives (zoomed-in areas, highlighted zones) without requiring additional physical cameras, providing multiple perspectives from one source.
3Measurement precision
If the operator repeatedly enters and exits the vehicle for alignment, then the alignment accuracy improves, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time visual feedback to the operator through multiple displayed views showing the relative position between the hitch and trailer coupler. The feedback includes highlighted zones indicating alignment status, enabling the operator to make precise adjustments without exiting the vehicle, thus maintaining alignment accuracy while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The operator can perform the entire hitching alignment process from inside the vehicle using the displayed multiple views. The system enables self-service alignment without requiring external assistance or repeated vehicle entry/exit, allowing the operator to visually monitor and adjust the hitching process independently and efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for triggering a hitch view are provided. The method includes: determining whether a hitch of a vehicle will be coupling with a trailer coupler of a trailer, in response to determining that the hitch of the vehicle will be coupling with the trailer coupler, detecting a position of the trailer coupler, and displaying a view of the trailer coupler corresponding to the detected position of the trailer coupler from among a plurality of views. The method may assist an operator of a vehicle in aligning the vehicle hitch with a trailer coupler.