Trailer Beam Length Estimation Using Camera-Based Kinematic Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle and trailer guidance systems lack an efficient method to estimate the trailer beam length during driving maneuvers, especially when towing different trailers with varying characteristics, as manual measurement by the driver is inconvenient and often impractical.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular trailer beam estimation system using a rearview camera with a CMOS imaging array and an electronic control unit processes image data to determine the trailer angle, steering angle, and vehicle speed, employing kinematic equations to estimate the trailer beam length through a calibration maneuver, which involves collecting kinematic data during a controlled driving maneuver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual measurement by the driver is used to determine trailer beam length, then the measurement process is simple and does not require additional sensors, but it is inconvenient and often impractical when towing different trailers
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs trailer beam length measurement without requiring driver intervention. The camera and processor capture images and compute the beam length autonomously, eliminating the need for manual measurement while maintaining high accuracy through image processing algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an optical measurement system using a camera. The camera captures images of the trailer, and image processing algorithms automatically calculate the beam length, substituting the mechanical act of manual measurement with an automated optical-electronic system.
2Ease of operation
If a camera system with image processing is used to estimate trailer beam length, then the measurement convenience is greatly improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing images for trailer beam length measurement, determining trailer angle, and providing visual feedback to the driver. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive trailering assistance from a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processor as an intermediary between the camera and the control system. This intermediary component handles the complex image processing and calculation tasks, isolating the complexity from the driver interface and enabling automated measurement without overwhelming the user with technical complexity.
3Measurement precision
If real-time trailer beam length estimation is implemented during driving maneuvers, then the accuracy and timeliness of measurement is improved, but the processing requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs real-time image processing and trailer parameter estimation only when needed during driving maneuvers, rather than continuously. The processor activates image capture and analysis based on detected maneuver conditions, reducing overall processing requirements while maintaining real-time accuracy when the measurement is actually needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration maneuvers to establish baseline trailer parameters before normal operation. During these calibration phases, the system collects image data and computes trailer characteristics in advance, storing these values for use during subsequent driving maneuvers, thereby reducing real-time processing demands during regular operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular trailer beam estimation system includes a camera disposed at a rear portion of a vehicle equipped with a trailer hitch. With a trailer hitched at the trailer hitch of the vehicle, the camera views at least a portion of the trailer hitched to the vehicle. The system, responsive at least in part to processing by an image processor of image data captured by the camera, determines a trailer angle of the trailer relative to the vehicle. During a driving maneuver, the system tracks trailering parameters, which include (i) the trailer angle, (ii) steering angle of the vehicle and (iii) speed of the vehicle. The system determines beam length of the trailer based at least in part on (i) the trailering parameters, (ii) the vehicle's wheelbase and (iii) hitch length of the trailer hitch of the vehicle.