Trailer Assist Steering Using Driver Gaze and Gesture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a vehicle with a trailer hitched can be challenging for drivers, requiring them to constantly check the trailer's position through mirrors, which diverts their attention and complicates the maneuvering process.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle trailer assist system with a rearward viewing camera and driver monitoring camera that processes image data to adjust steering based on the driver's gaze direction, gestures, and verbal commands, enabling autonomous trailer guidance during reversing maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driver manually monitors the trailer position through mirrors during reversing, then the driver can adjust steering based on visual feedback, but the driver's attention is diverted from the road and the maneuvering process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autonomous trailer guidance by having the trailer assist system monitor its own position and automatically adjust steering without requiring continuous manual intervention from the driver. The driver monitoring camera and gesture detection system allow the system to self-correct based on detected driver intent, freeing the driver from constant mirror checks while maintaining reliable trailer position monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical monitoring process (driver looking at mirrors and manually adjusting steering) with an automated optical and electronic system. Image data from cameras is processed to detect driver gestures and gaze direction, which then automatically control steering actuation, substituting the mechanical driver action with an electronic control system that achieves the same monitoring and adjustment function
2Extent of automation
If the system uses multiple cameras and processing units to detect driver gestures and gaze, then autonomous trailer guidance is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver monitoring camera serves multiple functions: it captures driver gaze direction, detects hand gestures, and monitors overall driver behavior. The image processing system performs multiple tasks including gesture recognition, gaze detection, and intent determination from a single camera input, reducing the need for separate sensors and processing units while achieving comprehensive autonomous guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the driver monitoring camera with the trailer position monitoring system, allowing a single integrated system to perform both functions. The image processor merges data from the driver monitoring camera with trailer position data to simultaneously control both driver intent detection and trailer guidance, reducing overall system complexity through functional integration
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular trailering assist system includes a rearward viewing camera disposed at a rear portion of a vehicle. A driver monitoring camera views at least a head region of a driver of the vehicle. During a reversing maneuver of the vehicle with a trailer hitched at a hitch of the vehicle and based at least in part on processing of image data captured by the rearward viewing camera, the system controls steering of the vehicle. During the reversing maneuver and based at least in part on monitoring of the driver based on processing of image data captured by the driver monitoring camera, the system adjusts control of steering of the vehicle.