Trailer Angle Detection via Rear Camera Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle vision systems lack effective methods for determining the trailer angle and path when towing a trailer, especially without specific trailer angle sensors, and struggle to accurately identify and characterize trailers for driving assistance.
Innovation Solution
A vision system that uses exterior-facing cameras to capture and process image data, including a unique trailer code sticker and wireless communication, to determine the trailer's angle, length, width, and oscillation, and calculates the trailer's path by integrating with the vehicle's steering angle, enabling the system to display steering paths and assist the driver in maneuvering the trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the vision system processes image data to determine trailer angle and path, then accurate trailer characterization is achieved, but the calculation and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple images of the trailer from different angles and positions before final processing. The exterior-facing cameras take images at various moments during vehicle movement, allowing the processor to calculate trailer angle and path based on pre-captured image data, reducing real-time processing requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the system displays steering path information to assist the driver, then ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to display and integration components
Solution Approach 1:
The vision system integrates multiple functions into a single system: capturing images with exterior-facing cameras, processing images to determine trailer angle and path, calculating steering recommendations, and displaying information to the driver. This multi-functional integration improves ease of operation while managing overall system complexity through consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular control system includes a rear backup camera viewing at least rearward of the vehicle. With a trailer hitched to the vehicle, and based at least in part on image processing of captured image data during a backing-up maneuver, the image processor determines a distance between an axle of the trailer and the hitch of the vehicle and determines a trailer angle of the trailer hitched to the vehicle. During the backing-up maneuver of the trailer hitched to the vehicle, the vehicular control system determines a path of the trailer responsive to (i) a steering angle of the vehicle, (ii) the determined trailer angle of the trailer and (iii) the determined distance between the axle of the trailer and the hitch of the vehicle. The vehicular control system displays information to assist the driver in backing up the trailer hitched to the vehicle.