Tow Ball Position Estimation Using Multi-Position Rear Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an accurate tow ball position estimation feature for tow vehicles, as existing technologies lack a standard size for tow balls and their mounts, and tow ball height is often adjustable, making it difficult to enable automated trailer assist functions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize data processing hardware to receive images from a rear camera positioned on a tow vehicle, detect the pixel position of the tow ball in these images, and estimate the tow ball's position relative to the vehicle by accounting for changes in the camera's position and pixel coordinates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed camera position is used for tow ball detection, then the system structure is simple, but accurate tow ball position estimation cannot be achieved due to variable tow ball positions and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed camera position to a dynamic multi-position camera system. The camera is moved to at least two different known positions along the rear portion of the vehicle, allowing the system to capture images from multiple angles and calculate the tow ball position in three-dimensional space relative to the vehicle, thereby achieving accurate position estimation despite variable tow ball positions and sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system moves the detection from a single two-dimensional image plane to three-dimensional space by capturing images from multiple camera positions. By knowing the camera's position in three-dimensional space at each capture point and analyzing the tow ball's position in multiple image planes, the system can triangulate and determine the precise three-dimensional position of the tow ball relative to the vehicle.
2Reliability
If manual measurement methods are used for tow ball position, then the system complexity is low, but human error increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated detection where the data processing hardware automatically captures images, identifies the tow ball position in the images, calculates the camera's position changes, and determines the tow ball's position relative to the vehicle without requiring manual measurement. This automation eliminates human error and improves reliability of trailer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an optical-digital detection system. Instead of using physical tools and human judgment for measurement, the system uses a camera to capture optical images, processes these images digitally to identify the tow ball, and calculates positions through computational algorithms, thereby eliminating human error and improving measurement reliability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple camera positions are used for accurate detection, then measurement precision improves, but the time required for detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-determines at least two specific camera positions along the rear portion of the vehicle before detection begins. By having these positions predetermined and prepared in advance, the system can quickly move the camera between known positions and perform detection without spending time calculating or determining camera positions during the actual measurement process, thereby reducing detection time while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are disclosed for performing a trailer operation for a vehicle having a tow ball. The method includes receiving a first image from a rear camera disposed along a rear portion of the vehicle in a first position; and detecting a pixel position of a representation of the tow ball in the first image. Following the rear camera being moved from the first position to a second position along the rear portion of the vehicle, the method includes receiving a second image from the rear camera. The method also includes detecting a second pixel position of a representation of the tow ball in the second image; and estimating a position of the tow ball relative to the vehicle based on the first and second positions of the rear camera and the detected pixel positions of the representations of the tow ball in the first and second images.