Trailer Backup Assist Using Camera-Based Angle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle vision systems require complex user measurements and setup processes for trailer backup assist systems, which can be cumbersome and inaccurate, especially when dealing with variations in vehicles and trailers.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle vision system that utilizes one or more cameras to capture image data and process it to determine the trailer angle, allowing for relative steering control to guide the trailer along a selected path, reducing the need for detailed user measurements and simplifying the setup process by allowing the driver to make minor adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex user measurements and setup processes are used for trailer backup assist systems, then the system can accommodate variations in vehicle and trailer configurations, but the setup process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures images of the vehicle and trailer using onboard cameras, and the image processing unit automatically determines the trailer angle and vehicle parameters from these images. This eliminates the need for manual measurements by users, allowing the system to self-configure while accommodating various vehicle and trailer configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual measurement processes with an automated image-based detection system. Cameras capture visual data of the vehicle and trailer, and image processing algorithms automatically extract geometric parameters, substituting the mechanical/manual measurement process with an optical-digital system that is both faster and more accurate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual measurements are required for trailer backup assist setup, then the system can be configured for specific configurations, but measurement accuracy becomes problematic due to user error
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual user measurements with automated image capture and processing. Cameras positioned on the vehicle capture images of the trailer and surrounding environment, and image processing algorithms automatically calculate the trailer angle and geometric parameters, eliminating user measurement errors entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the physical trailer and vehicle configuration through image capture. By processing these visual copies, the system can accurately determine geometric parameters without requiring physical measurement tools or manual input from users, thereby improving both accuracy and efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If detailed user measurements are required, then the system can provide precise control, but the operation becomes more complex and difficult for users
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically capturing images and determining geometric parameters without requiring user input for measurements. The driver simply needs to position the vehicle and trailer, and the system handles all measurement and calculation processes automatically, greatly simplifying the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs all necessary measurements and calculations automatically during the setup phase before actual trailer backup operation begins. By completing the complex measurement and computation tasks in advance without user involvement, the system simplifies the ongoing operation to minimal driver input while maintaining precise control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular trailer backup assist system is operable to steer a vehicle, with a trailer connected at the rear of the vehicle, during a reversing maneuver of the vehicle and trailer. The system electronically overlays a plurality of zones over displayed video images, with each individual zone of the overlayed plurality of zones being indicative of a respective individual region rearward of the vehicle and trailer. Responsive to a selected zone of travel for the trailer, the control controls steering of the vehicle to steer the vehicle to guide the trailer towards the respective individual region that is encompassed by the selected zone of travel during reversing of the vehicle and trailer. The driver of the vehicle manually adjusts steering of the vehicle to more accurately steer the vehicle towards a target location within the respective individual region that is encompassed by the selected zone of travel.