Trailer Angle Detection With Dynamic Camera Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rear vision systems for vehicles lack effective methods to dynamically detect and display the angle of a trailer being towed, requiring manual calibration and providing limited assistance during maneuvering, especially when reversing.
Innovation Solution
A rear vision system using a camera mounted at the vehicle's rear end, combined with image processing to determine the trailer's angle in real-time, and a dynamic calibration method that adjusts parameters while driving, providing a top-down view and alert systems to assist the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual calibration is used for trailer angle detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic calibration by capturing images of the trailer at multiple known angles and using image processing to determine calibration parameters without manual intervention. The processor automatically calculates parameters such as the trailer's longitudinal axis orientation and angle based on image analysis, eliminating the need for manual measurement and input while achieving high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs calibration in advance by capturing images of the trailer at predetermined angles (e.g., 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees) before actual towing operations. These preliminary image captures establish the calibration parameters that will be used for subsequent real-time angle detection, ensuring accuracy without requiring manual calibration at the time of use.
2Measurement precision
If real-time image processing is used for trailer angle detection, then measurement precision improves, but use of energy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system processes images at selective moments rather than continuously - capturing images at predetermined angles during calibration and at key moments during towing operations. This partial processing approach maintains high measurement precision for angle detection while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous real-time processing of all visual data.
3Ease of operation
If a rearward facing camera is mounted at the vehicle rear, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rearward facing camera serves multiple functions: it captures images for trailer angle detection, provides calibration data, and can potentially be used for other vehicle assistance functions. The same hardware component performs multiple roles, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation through integrated functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular trailer angle detection system includes a rear camera, a left-side camera, a right-side camera and a control having an image processor. With a trailer hitched at a vehicle, and while the vehicle is driven in a forward direction and towing the trailer, image data is captured by at least one of the cameras. The vehicular trailer angle detection system determines an expected location of the portion of the trailer based on provided vehicle-trailer parameters as the vehicle is driven forward and towing the trailer. The vehicular trailer angle detection system determines an actual location of the portion of the trailer via processing of captured image data as the vehicle is driven forward and towing the trailer. Responsive to an offset between the determined actual location of the portion of the trailer and the determined expected location, the vehicular trailer angle detection system accommodates the offset.