Trailer Angle Sensing Using Symmetrical Feature Pairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver assistance systems face challenges in quickly and reliably determining the angle between a vehicle and a trailer, especially when trailers are frequently exchanged, requiring a system that can adapt without prolonged learning processes.
Innovation Solution
A trailer angle determination system with a sensing unit outside the vehicle's center, capable of identifying symmetrical feature pairs on the trailer, determines the angle using image data and known distances, allowing for rapid adaptation to new trailers and flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a driver assistance system uses traditional sensing methods to determine the angle between vehicle and trailer, then it can provide basic angle information, but it cannot quickly adapt when trailers are frequently exchanged requiring prolonged learning processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by storing the positions of symmetrical feature pairs on the trailer during an initialization phase. This preliminary action enables the system to quickly determine trailer angle without prolonged learning processes when trailers are exchanged, as the feature pair positions are pre-established and can be rapidly recognized by the sensing unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital model or representation of the trailer's symmetrical feature pairs by storing their positions relative to the vehicle. This copied information serves as a reference that allows rapid identification and angle determination when the same trailer is reconnected, eliminating the need for repeated learning processes.
2Measurement precision
If the sensing unit is placed at the center of the vehicle, then the system structure is simplified, but the angle determination accuracy and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system deliberately positions the sensing unit asymmetrically at a specific distance from the vehicle center toward the trailer, rather than at the center. This asymmetric positioning, combined with the identification of symmetrical feature pairs on the trailer, creates a geometric configuration that enables more accurate angle determination through triangulation and geometric calculation.
3Reliability
If the system requires special markings or protracted training on trailers, then angle determination reliability is improved, but system flexibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system identifies and utilizes naturally occurring symmetrical features already present on the trailer (such as corners, edges, lights, reflectors, hinges, ribbing, or grooves) without requiring any special markings or modifications. The sensing unit autonomously detects these feature pairs and the system automatically performs calibration, making the trailer itself serve the measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to work with multiple different trailer types by recognizing symmetrical feature pairs that can exist on various trailer designs. The evaluation unit can identify different types of symmetrical features (corners, edges, lights, reflectors, hinges, ribbing, grooves, receptacles, or affixed patterns) and adapt to them universally without requiring trailer-specific configuration or training.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer angle determination system for a vehicle is provided. The trailer angle determination system has a sensing unit for sensing a trailer connected to the vehicle and an evaluation unit. The sensing unit is arranged outside of the center of the vehicle and toward the trailer, and the distance between the sensing unit and the center of the vehicle is known. The trailer has symmetrical feature pairs with respect to a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the trailer. The sensing unit is designed to sense the symmetrical feature pairs of the trailer. The evaluation unit is designed to determine the angle between the trailer and the vehicle based on the sensed symmetrical feature pairs of the trailer and the known distance between the sensing unit and the center of the vehicle.