Trailer Rear Camera Sway Detection With Lane-Marking Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively detect and mitigate trailer sway in real-time, which can lead to instability and safety issues during towing, especially when trailer movement exceeds maximum allowable limits.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a rearward-facing camera on the trailer to capture and compare images, determining trailer movement and sway, and implementing differential braking, active steering, or braking to mitigate excessive sway by communicating with the tow vehicle's control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rearward-facing camera is used to detect trailer movement, then measurement precision of trailer sway is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for image processing and comparison systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a camera to capture visual images of lane markings and trailer position, creating optical copies of the physical scene. These image copies are then processed to extract movement information, replacing direct mechanical measurement with optical sensing and digital analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sway detection mechanisms with an optical imaging system. Instead of using mechanical sensors or direct physical measurement, the system uses camera images and computer vision algorithms to detect and measure trailer sway, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensing apparatus.
2Speed
If real-time image comparison is performed to determine trailer movement, then speed of sway detection is improved, but use of energy increases due to continuous processing of multiple images
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs image capture and comparison at periodic intervals rather than continuously. By taking images at specific time intervals and comparing successive frames, the system achieves real-time sway detection while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a baseline reference image or set of images representing the normal trailer position. Subsequent images are compared against this pre-established reference, allowing for efficient detection of deviations without requiring complex real-time analysis of all image parameters.
3Reliability
If the system differentiates between trailer sway and tow vehicle movement, then reliability of sway detection is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple sensors and coordination systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses lane markings on the road as an intermediary reference frame. By detecting the position of lane markings in the camera images and comparing them to expected positions, the system can distinguish between trailer sway (where lane marking position remains constant) and tow vehicle movement (where lane marking position changes).
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors trailer position relative to lane markings and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback loop allows the system to differentiate between voluntary steering inputs (where the driver intentionally moves the trailer) and unwanted sway (where the trailer moves independently), improving detection reliability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If differential braking and active steering are used to mitigate trailer sway, then stability of the towing system is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for coordinated control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple control actions (differential braking, active front steering, and active rear steering) into a unified sway mitigation system. The controller integrates these different control mechanisms and selects or combines them based on the detected sway conditions, achieving enhanced stability through coordinated multi-modal control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the mitigation strategy based on real-time sway detection. Rather than using a fixed control mechanism, the system adapts its response by selecting from multiple available control actions (braking, front steering, rear steering) depending on the severity and characteristics of the detected sway, optimizing stability while managing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for detecting movement of a trailer having a rearward facing camera and linked to a tow vehicle. The systems include taking a first image and a second image with the camera and comparing the images. A first amount of trailer movement is determined between the second image and the first image. The systems may also take additional images and determine a second amount of trailer movement occurring between the additional images. Tracking the first amount and the second amount of trailer movement determines an amount of trailer sway. The determined trailer sway may be compared to a maximum allowable sway and, if the movement is greater than the maximum allowable sway, mitigating sway of the trailer with the tow vehicle.