Trailer Backup Assist Predictive Hitch Angle Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer backup assist systems face challenges with inaccurate hitch angle measurements due to improper calibration of imaging devices and obstruction issues, which can lead to cumbersome user input and erroneous measurements.
Innovation Solution
A calibration method that uses an imaging device to capture images of a rear bumper, processes them to identify boundaries, and determines offsets, along with a predictive model to estimate hitch angles when the imaging device fails, and a system that transitions between different hitch angle detection methods based on confidence scores and enacts countermeasures to maintain safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If imager-based hitch angle detection is used, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates when the imaging device becomes obstructed or fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by capturing an image of the rear bumper and determining an offset between the identified boundary and an ideal boundary before actual hitch angle measurement. This pre-calibration data is stored and used to correct subsequent measurements, ensuring accuracy even when the imaging device operates under less-than-ideal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary predictive model that estimates hitch angles using vehicle and trailer dynamics when the imaging device fails or becomes obstructed. This model acts as a mediator, providing continuous hitch angle information based on the last known good measurement and dynamic parameters, thereby maintaining system reliability during imaging device failures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If user input for trailer length is required, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome input process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically capturing images of the rear bumper and computing the offset between the identified boundary and the ideal boundary. This self-service calibration eliminates the need for manual user input for trailer length and boundary adjustments, improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability through automatic configuration detection.
3Manufacturing precision
If imaging device calibration is performed manually, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming calibration process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration procedures with an automated image processing system. The controller automatically captures images of the rear bumper, identifies boundaries, computes offsets, and applies corrections without manual intervention. This substitution of automated image-based calibration for manual calibration maintains high precision while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating time-consuming manual steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer backup assist system is provided herein. The system includes a calibration feature for calibrating an imaging device used for hitch angle detection. The system also employs multiple hitch angle detection methods, a number of which may run in parallel to increase the intervals at which a hitch angle can be measured. The system additionally includes a predictive feature in which a hitch angle can be predicted in instances where a trailer sensing device fails. The system is further configured to estimate a trailer length and generate steering commands that are invariant to the estimated trailer length under certain conditions.