Trailer Angle Calibration for Vehicle Collision Warning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle trailer assist systems fail to accurately determine the trailer collision angle, which is crucial for preventing accidents during vehicle maneuvers, especially when reversing and turning, due to limitations in imaging sensor technology and processing algorithms.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle vision system utilizing CMOS cameras and electronic circuitry with image processing capabilities to capture and analyze image data, determining a trailer template and collision angle through a calibration maneuver, and continuously monitoring the trailer angle relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis to notify the driver of potential collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If imaging sensors are used to detect trailer position, then trailer monitoring capability is provided, but accurate determination of trailer collision angle is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the trailer detection problem into multiple components: detecting individual trailer corners, determining trailer orientation angles, calculating collision angles, and providing warnings. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, improving overall measurement precision for collision angle determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from simple 2D image capture to 3D spatial analysis by calculating trailer orientation angles and collision angles in three-dimensional space. This dimensional enhancement enables accurate determination of trailer collision angle by analyzing the spatial relationship between the vehicle and trailer in multiple dimensions.
2Reliability
If the system monitors trailer angle continuously, then collision prevention capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of trailer corners and calculates trailer orientation angles in advance, before collision risk arises. This preliminary action allows the system to establish a baseline trailer template and collision angle thresholds, reducing the complexity of real-time collision prevention decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring current trailer angle against the determined collision angle and providing warnings when the trailer approaches the collision threshold. This feedback mechanism simplifies the control logic by using clear threshold-based decision-making rather than complex predictive modeling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system accommodates non-symmetrical trailer shapes, then adaptability is improved, but measurement accuracy becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system explicitly accommodates asymmetrical trailer shapes by detecting individual trailer corners and calculating orientation angles based on the actual geometric configuration rather than assuming symmetry. This asymmetric approach allows accurate measurement of trailer angles regardless of the trailer's specific shape or orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters dynamically based on detected trailer characteristics. By identifying trailer corners and calculating orientation angles specific to each trailer's geometry, the system adapts its measurement parameters to maintain accuracy across diverse trailer shapes and configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular trailering assist system includes a rear backup camera disposed at a vehicle and viewing at least rearward of the vehicle and at least a portion of a trailer hitched to the vehicle. The camera captures frames of image data that include image data representative of at least a portion of the trailer hitched to the vehicle. Frames of image data captured by the camera are processed at an electronic control unit during a calibration maneuver by the vehicle to determine a trailer collision angle. The vehicular trailering assist system, after completion of the calibration maneuver, determines a current trailer angle of the trailer relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle as the vehicle is driven along the road. The vehicular trailering assist system determines whether the current trailer angle is within a threshold amount of the determined trailer collision angle.