Tailgate Camera-Radar Fusion for Trailer Angle Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer reverse assist systems are limited in their ability to accurately estimate the angle between a tow vehicle and a trailer, especially for fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers, and often require multiple people to maneuver the vehicle-trailer unit due to blind zones and unfamiliar dimensions, leading to potential jack-knife events.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that fuses data from rear-mounted cameras and short-range radars to estimate the trailer angle, using statistically weighted averaging and Kalman filters to improve accuracy, particularly at higher angles, enabling robust estimation for various trailer types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tailgate camera is used to estimate trailer angle, then the system can provide basic trailer reverse assist functionality, but the angle estimation becomes inaccurate at higher angles between the trailer and vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data from multiple sensors (tailgate camera and short-range radars) to estimate trailer angle. The camera provides accurate measurements at lower angles while the radars provide complementary data that becomes more reliable at higher angles, creating a fused estimation system that maintains accuracy across the full range of trailer angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a multi-functional sensor approach where the tailgate camera serves general trailer angle estimation, while short-range radars provide specialized support for high-angle scenarios. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle various trailer types (bumper-mounted, fifth wheel, gooseneck) and angle ranges effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bumper mounted trailers are supported, then the system can provide trailer reverse assist, but fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers cannot be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to support multiple trailer types (traditional bumper-mounted, fifth wheel, and gooseneck trailers) through a universal sensor fusion approach. The combination of camera and radar sensors creates a versatile system that can adapt to different trailer configurations and attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts its estimation parameters and sensor weighting based on the detected trailer type. By changing the operational parameters of the sensor fusion algorithm according to the specific trailer configuration, the system maintains measurement precision across different trailer categories.
3Device complexity
If only a tailgate camera is used, then the system structure remains simple, but multiple people are needed to maneuver the vehicle-trailer unit due to blind zones
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges data from tailgate cameras and short-range radars to create a comprehensive view of the trailer position and angle. This combination compensates for the blind zones and limitations of individual sensors, providing operators with more complete information for safe and easy vehicle-trailer maneuvering.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are disclosed for determining a trailer angle between a vehicle and a trailer attached to a the vehicle. The method includes receiving camera data from a camera supported by a rear portion of the vehicle, left radar data from a left short-range radar supported by a left rear portion of the vehicle, and right radar data from a right short-range radar supported by a right rear portion of the vehicle. A trailer angle is estimated based on the camera data, the left radar data, and the right radar data. The estimated trailer angle is sent to one or more vehicle systems associated with the vehicle.