Tow Vehicle Reversing Control for Precise Trailer Coupler Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for manually backing up a tow vehicle to a trailer require significant driver effort and attention, as the driver must constantly monitor a rear vehicle camera and steer to align the tow ball with the trailer coupler.
Innovation Solution
A system that autonomously maneuvers a tow vehicle towards a selected trailer by using a rear camera, user interface for driver selection, and a controller to track trailer and coupler bounding boxes, adjusting vehicle position and orientation for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual backing up and alignment is used, then the driver has direct control over the vehicle, but the driver effort and attention required are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the vehicle to perform the backing and alignment operations autonomously by processing camera images and executing steering commands without continuous driver intervention. The driver only needs to initiate the process and select the target trailer, after which the system handles the complex maneuvering automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical steering control system with an automated image processing and control system. Instead of the driver manually steering based on camera feedback, the system automatically processes camera images, calculates steering angles, and controls the vehicle's direction through electronic actuation of the steering system.
2Ease of operation
If autonomous maneuvering is implemented, then driver effort is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single automated hitching system: camera capture, image processing, trailer detection, coupler localization, path planning, steering control, and distance measurement. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate systems while achieving comprehensive autonomous hitching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary between the driver's intent and the vehicle's physical actions. The processing hardware analyzes camera images to detect trailers and couplers, calculates appropriate steering commands, and coordinates the vehicle's movement, thereby mediating the complex control tasks.
3Measurement precision
If precise alignment is achieved, then hitching accuracy is improved, but the time required for manual monitoring and adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures images from the camera during the backing maneuver and processes these images in real-time to monitor the vehicle's position relative to the target coupler. This feedback loop allows the system to make continuous adjustments to achieve precise alignment while automatically managing the time required for the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and planning by analyzing camera images to identify the target trailer and coupler position before executing the backing maneuver. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-calculate the optimal path and steering commands, reducing the time required during the actual alignment process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of autonomously maneuvering a tow vehicle (100) towards a trailer (200) positioned behind the tow vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving one or more images from a camera (152) positioned on a back portion of the tow vehicle. The method also includes receiving, at the data processing hardware (160), a first user selection of a trailer representation within the one or more images. The method includes sending first instructions to a drive system (190) causing the tow vehicle to autonomously maneuver towards the trailer associated with the first user selection of the trailer representation. The method also includes receiving a second user selection of a coupler representation within the one or more images. The coupler representation associated with a trailer coupler (212) of the trailer. The method also includes sending second instructions to the drive system causing the tow vehicle (100) to autonomously maneuver towards the trailer coupler (212) associated with the second user selection.