Trailer Angle Detection Using Patterned Target and Subregion Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle vision systems face challenges in accurately determining the angle of a trailer relative to the vehicle, especially when reversing, which can lead to unintended trailer movement and jackknifing, particularly for new or inexperienced drivers.
Innovation Solution
A camera-based system that uses one or more CMOS cameras to capture image data and determine the angle of the trailer relative to the vehicle centerline by detecting a known patterned target, processing image data in real-time, and tracking the trailer's position using vehicle parameters, thereby avoiding sudden drops in tracking and refining the target acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera-based system is used to detect trailer angle, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A known patterned target is introduced as an intermediary object attached to the trailer. This target serves as a mediator between the camera system and the trailer, enabling precise angle detection through pattern recognition algorithms without requiring complex direct measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a known patterned target (a copy or representation of a recognizable structure) attached to the trailer. This target creates a detectable optical pattern that the camera can recognize and use to calculate trailer angle, replacing the need for complex direct sensing on the trailer itself.
2Reliability
If real-time image processing is performed to track trailer position, then reliability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential information needed for tracking - the known patterned target - from the entire image scene. By focusing processing only on identifying and tracking this specific pattern rather than analyzing all image data, energy consumption is reduced while maintaining continuous tracking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously compares the detected target position with previous positions and uses feedback from vehicle parameters to maintain accurate tracking. This feedback mechanism allows the system to rely on previously established patterns and make adjustments based on changes, reducing the computational energy needed for each new measurement while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If manual measurements are eliminated in favor of automated detection, then ease of operation is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated detection and measurement of the trailer angle without requiring manual intervention. The camera system automatically identifies the known patterned target, calculates the angle, and provides the information to the driver, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for manual measurements while simplifying operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a trailer characteristic includes disposing a camera at a rear portion of a vehicle so as to have a field of view rearward, providing a control having an image processor, and hitching a tongue of a trailer to a hitch ball of the vehicle. Location of a portion of the trailer relative to the camera is determined via processing of captured image data. Responsive to the determination of the location of the portion of the trailer relative to the camera, a subregion of the imaging array of the camera is determined that includes the determined portion of the trailer, and processing at the control is enhanced at the determined subregion during processing of subsequent frames of captured image data to determine location of the portion of the trailer relative to the vehicle centerline in the subsequent frames of captured image data.