Vehicle Trailer Coupler Detection via Camera Object Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Coupling a vehicle with a trailer is challenging due to the small size of the coupler and hitch ball relative to the vehicle and trailer, limited driver visibility, and difficulty in aligning the trajectory and speed for proper connection.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a vehicle-mounted camera to detect and track the trailer and coupler, employing an object detection module, SLAM module, and coupler position determination module to generate accurate positions and assist in aligning the vehicle with the trailer, enabling real-time processing for timely trajectory adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the coupler and hitch ball are made larger to improve visibility and alignment, then the coupling operation becomes easier, but the adaptability to different trailer and vehicle configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical enlargement of coupling components with an optical/electronic detection system. The camera-based object detection module identifies and tracks the coupler and hitch ball positions, providing visual feedback to the driver without altering the physical dimensions of the coupling components themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system (camera and object detection module) between the driver and the coupling components. This intermediary provides enhanced visibility and position information, making the small coupling components effectively 'larger' in terms of detectability without changing their physical size.
2Ease of operation
If the driver's visibility of the hitch ball is improved by repositioning it, then the coupling operation becomes easier, but the structural design of the vehicle is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical solution of repositioning the hitch ball with an optical detection system. The camera mounted on the vehicle captures images of the hitch ball and coupler, and the object detection module processes these images to determine positions, eliminating the need to alter the vehicle's structural design.
3Productivity
If real-time processing of camera feed is implemented to enable timely trajectory adjustments, then the coupling efficiency improves, but the processing capability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video processing task into discrete frames and identifies key features (coupler, hitch ball, vehicle position) within each frame. The object detection module processes only relevant regions and features, rather than analyzing the entire video stream in full detail, reducing computational requirements while maintaining real-time capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial processing by focusing computational resources on detecting and tracking only the critical elements (coupler and hitch ball positions) rather than processing the entire video feed with full analytical depth. This selective approach enables real-time processing with moderate computational resources.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of and systems for operating an embedded system of a vehicle during a coupling operation of the vehicle with a trailer having a coupler. The method comprises accessing a video stream generated by a video camera; operating an object detection module on the video stream so as to detect the trailer and/or the coupler and establish one or more regions of interest. The method also comprises generating a vehicle referential point estimated position of a vehicle referential point and generating a coupler position with respect to the vehicle referential point estimated position based on the one or more regions of interests and the vehicle referential point estimated position.