Trailer Backing Control via Vision-Based Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backup maneuvers with trailers attached to vehicles are challenging due to the trailer's tendency to swivel and jackknife, requiring multiple operators and causing confusion, especially for inexperienced users, as existing systems lack precise control over the trailer's path during reverse movement.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an electronic control unit (ECU) with a camera to record and analyze images of the trailer, identify features, learn and compare distances, and determine the relative position between the vehicle and trailer, allowing for automatic control and calibration of the backing system, enabling precise path management during reverse operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control of vehicle and trailer during backing is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but control difficulty increases and requires multiple operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated vision-based system. A camera captures images of the trailer, and image processing algorithms automatically determine trailer position and orientation, replacing the need for manual visual estimation and complex coordinate transformations that require multiple operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically capturing images during calibration maneuvers and computing calibration parameters without external intervention. The electronic control unit independently processes images, calculates transformation matrices, and stores calibration data, enabling the system to service itself during the calibration process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If trailer swiveling around hitch is allowed for cornering, then maneuverability is improved, but trailer stability deteriorates during reverse movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures images of the trailer during backing maneuvers and uses image processing to monitor trailer position and orientation in real-time. This feedback loop allows the system to detect trailer swiveling and jackknifing tendencies and provide corrective guidance to maintain stable path following while preserving necessary maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration and control system dynamically adapts to different trailer configurations and movement states. By computing transformation matrices based on actual captured images rather than fixed assumptions, the system maintains accuracy across various trailer positions, angles, and maneuvering conditions, balancing stability with maneuverability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple operators are used for trailer backing, then control accuracy improves, but system complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human coordination system with an automated image processing system. Instead of multiple operators visually communicating and coordinating their observations, a single camera captures images that are automatically processed by electronic control unit algorithms to determine trailer position and orientation with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the trailer's visual appearance through camera imaging. This optical copy is then processed through image recognition algorithms that automatically extract position and orientation information, replacing the need for multiple human observers to independently measure and communicate trailer parameters.
4Ease of operation
If inexperienced users operate the vehicle-trailer system, then accessibility is improved, but control accuracy deteriorates due to difficulty in judging trailer path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human visual judgment system with an automated computer vision system. The camera and image processing algorithms objectively measure trailer position and orientation without relying on the operator's experience or ability to visually estimate angles and distances, making the system equally accessible and accurate for users of all skill levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a backing system for a vehicle and trailer assembly includes: initiating a backing system mode; recording at least one image of a trailer for the vehicle and trailer assembly with a camera mounted to the vehicle; identifying a current plurality of features of the trailer in the image; learning a current plurality of distances associated with the current plurality of features. Then comparing the current plurality of features and distances with stored plurality of features of distances to determine if there is a match. If there is not a match a current calibration of a plurality of relative distances associated with the plurality of reference features is learned while the driver performs a number of preset calibration maneuvers. A relative position between the vehicle and the trailer is determined using the stored calibration and the current plurality of features and current plurality of relative distance.