Trailer Backup Path Input via Aerial View Touch Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating a vehicle connected to a trailer is challenging due to difficulties in vision and path prediction, especially with large trailers where the field of view is occluded, and smaller trailers where quick changes in hitch angle occur, making traditional trailer backup assist systems ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates an aerial view of the vehicle and trailer using imaging devices and satellite data, displayed on a touch screen, allowing drivers to input an intended backing path through touch events, with the ability to modify paths to avoid obstacles and maintain safe hitch angles, using a controller that processes image and navigation data to guide the vehicle and trailer during backing maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional trailer backup assist systems are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the field of view is occluded and path prediction is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual aerial view copy of the physical environment by processing images from multiple cameras positioned on the vehicle and trailer. This virtual representation provides an overhead perspective that eliminates field of view occlusion issues, allowing drivers to see the complete backing path and surrounding obstacles without physical line-of-sight limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional ground-level camera view to a three-dimensional aerial perspective by combining images from multiple cameras at different positions and processing them through image fusion algorithms. This dimensional transformation provides depth information and spatial relationships that are not visible from any single ground-level viewpoint.
2Ease of operation
If a touch screen interface is used for path input, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows drivers to directly interact with and modify their backing path by touching the aerial view display. The touch interface enables intuitive drag-and-drop path modification where drivers can manually adjust the virtual path by touching and dragging points on the screen, making the system adapt to driver preferences without requiring complex programming or configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback by displaying the selected backing path overlaid on the aerial view, allowing drivers to see the projected vehicle and trailer movement along the chosen path. The system continuously monitors path execution and provides feedback through the display to confirm the vehicle is following the intended trajectory, enabling closed-loop control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of inputting a path is provided. The method includes the steps of generating an aerial view of a vehicle and a trailer based on at least one of image data and satellite image data, displaying the aerial view on a display having a touch screen, and registering a touch event on the touch screen that inputs an intended path for the vehicle and the trailer.