Towed Vehicle Mark Layout for Accurate Hitch Angle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting the bending angle of a towed vehicle relative to a towing vehicle suffer from errors in central position detection of the mark and coupling shaft, leading to inaccuracies in calculating the hitch angle.
Innovation Solution
A towed vehicle mark with distinct first and second regions of different colors and a boundary line longer than the combined widths of these regions, along with a printed portion, is imaged by a towing vehicle's camera to enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mark is used for detecting the bending angle of a towed vehicle, then the detection function is achieved, but detection errors occur due to difficulty in accurately determining central positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mark with distinct color regions (first region and second region with different colors) to create clear visual boundaries. The boundary line between these color regions serves as a reference for detection, eliminating the need to calculate central positions. This color-based differentiation enhances detection accuracy by providing unambiguous reference points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-based detection (central position) to line-based detection (boundary line). By extending the reference from a zero-dimensional point to a one-dimensional line, the system gains more information for accurate angle calculation. The boundary line provides multiple reference points along its length, improving measurement precision.
2Productivity
If a checkered pattern mark is used for bending angle detection, then the mark can be detected, but the processing load increases and image resolution requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential feature needed for detection - the boundary line between color regions - while eliminating unnecessary complexity of checkered patterns. By focusing on the boundary line as the sole detection target, the system reduces processing requirements while maintaining detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mark's geometric parameters by using a boundary line that is longer than the sum of the widths of the first and second regions. This parameter change creates a more prominent, easier-to-detect feature that reduces processing load and lowers image resolution requirements while maintaining detection accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A towed vehicle mark is to be provided on a towed vehicle that is couplable to a towing vehicle so as to be imaged by an imaging unit in the towing vehicle. The towed vehicle mark includes a first region, and a second region arranged adjacent to the first region and has a color different from a color of the first region. A boundary line between the first region and the second region is a straight line longer than a sum of a width of the first region in an arrangement direction of the first region and the second region and a width of the second region in the arrangement direction.