Trailer Camera Target Selection for Accurate Hitch Angle Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer assist systems face challenges in accurately determining the relative orientation between a vehicle and a trailer, particularly in distinguishing between trailer features and background objects, which can lead to improper steering maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle trailer assist system that allows operators to select target areas on a display using a touch-sensitive interface or manual controls, with the controller determining the relative orientation based on the selected target areas, thereby simplifying the identification of trailer features and reducing reliance on complex image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If complex image processing is used to automatically detect trailer features, then the system can operate autonomously, but the system complexity and error rate increase due to difficulty in distinguishing trailer features from background objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - a visually distinct target object attached to the trailer - that mediates between the camera system and the feature detection algorithm. This target object serves as a reliable intermediary reference point that is easily distinguishable from the background, thereby improving detection reliability without requiring complex image processing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a standardized target object with known visual characteristics (colors, patterns, geometry) that can be easily captured and recognized by the camera system. This copied visual reference provides a reliable basis for determining trailer orientation without needing to interpret complex natural features
2Device complexity
If the system uses predefined target placement zones, then the complexity of target selection is reduced, but the adaptability to different trailer configurations and operating conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the target placement zone based on detected trailer characteristics and operating conditions. Rather than using fixed predefined zones, the system adapts the target zone location and size in real-time to match the specific trailer configuration and camera angle, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of trailer features and pre-calculates the optimal target placement zone before the operator needs to select a target. This preliminary action prepares the system in advance, reducing the complexity of the selection process while adapting to the specific trailer configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle trailer assist system (24) is configured to display a plurality of target areas (58A-D, 68A-E) to a vehicle operator for the vehicle operator to select. The vehicle operator selects a target area (58A-D, 68A-E) on a trailer (22) for tracking and using in determining a relative orientation with the vehicle (20). The system records selected target area (58A-D, 68A-E) and determines a relative orientation between a trailer (22) and a tow vehicle (20) based on a relative position between the features in the selected target area (58A-D, 68A-E) on the trailer (22) and the tow vehicle (20).