Trailer Assist Beam Length Estimation Using Camera and Kinematics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack an efficient method to accurately estimate the trailer beam length, which is crucial for automated trailering applications, as manual measurement is cumbersome and user-dependent, especially for long and multi-axle trailers.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a camera at the rear of the vehicle to capture images of the trailer, combined with steering wheel angle and wheel RPM sensors, to process image and sensor data. This data is used to determine the trailer angle, hitch location, and estimate the trailer beam length using vehicle and trailer kinematics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual measurement method is used to determine trailer beam length, then measurement can be performed, but the process is cumbersome and user-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an automated vision-based system. A camera captures images of the trailer, and image processing algorithms automatically calculate the beam length by detecting the trailer's geometric features and applying perspective transformation, eliminating the need for manual measurement tools and user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the trailer beam length measurement to be performed automatically without user intervention. The camera system captures images, the processor analyzes the trailer geometry, and the beam length is calculated and stored autonomously, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual operation.
2Ease of operation
If automated vision system is implemented to estimate trailer beam length, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single system: the camera not only captures images for beam length measurement but also provides trailer detection and positioning capabilities. The image processing algorithm performs perspective transformation, geometric feature detection, and calculation operations, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate dedicated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processor as an intermediary between the camera and the control system. This processor handles the complex image analysis and calculation tasks, acting as a mediator that translates raw image data into meaningful measurements, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing complexity in the control unit.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors (camera, steering wheel angle sensor, RPM sensor) are integrated, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (camera, steering wheel angle sensor, RPM sensor) and integrates their data processing functions into a unified control system. The image processor receives and processes data from all sensors simultaneously, merging their individual measurements into a comprehensive analysis that improves overall measurement precision while managing system complexity through integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular trailering assist system for a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a rear portion of a vehicle and having a field of view exterior and at least rearward of the vehicle, the field of view encompassing at least a portion of a trailer hitched to the vehicle. A control includes a processor for processing image data captured by the camera and sensor data captured by a steering wheel angle sensor and a wheel RPM sensor. The control determines a trailer angle of the trailer relative to the vehicle, a steering wheel angle, and a wheel RPM of a wheel of the vehicle. The control estimates a trailer beam length based on at least the determined trailer angle, the determined steering wheel angle, and the determined wheel RPM.