Trailer Coupling Assistant Using Driver Gaze Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupling a trailer to a motor vehicle can be challenging due to the trailer hitch being obscured from view via the vehicle's mirrors, and existing systems often require manual activation or lack situational awareness of the driver's intentions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically detect the driver's viewing direction and intentions using a reversing camera and detection device to offer assistance with the trailer coupling assistant only when necessary, activating it semi-automatically for longitudinal and lateral guidance during coupling maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual activation of trailer coupling assistant is required, then system reliability is improved by avoiding false activation, but ease of operation deteriorates as driver must manually activate the system
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects coupling maneuvers through sensor data analysis and activates the trailer coupling assistant without requiring manual driver input. The system serves itself by autonomously determining when activation is appropriate based on detected coupling patterns, eliminating the need for manual activation while maintaining reliable operation.
2Ease of operation
If automatic activation is implemented without gaze detection, then ease of operation is improved by automatic activation, but reliability deteriorates due to false activation when driver does not intend coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses gaze detection to provide feedback about driver intention before activating the trailer coupling assistant. By monitoring whether the driver is looking at the relevant display area, the system gains feedback on driver intent and only activates when both the coupling maneuver is detected and the driver is observing the coupling process, preventing false activations.
3Productivity
If trailer coupling assistant is always activated, then productivity is improved by continuous assistance, but device complexity increases due to constant system operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation state based on detected conditions. Rather than remaining constantly active, the trailer coupling assistant is activated only when a coupling maneuver is detected through sensor analysis and confirmed by driver gaze detection. This dynamic activation approach maintains productivity by providing assistance when needed while reducing device complexity by keeping the system inactive during normal driving.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the ease of trailer coupling by ensuring the trailer coupling assistant is activated only when the driver intends to perform a coupling maneuver, reducing driver burden and improving safety during difficult tasks.
Implementation Method 1
determining whether the driver is looking at the display device by detecting the direction of the driver's gaze with a sensor device of the motor vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for automatically detecting a coupling maneuver of a motor vehicle (1) to a trailer (2), comprising the steps of: displaying a rear vehicle environment captured by means of a reversing camera (4) of the motor vehicle (1) by means of a display device (9) of the motor vehicle (1); determining, based on the direction of view of a driver (6) of the motor vehicle (1) captured by means of a detection device (5) of the motor vehicle (1), whether the driver is looking at the display device (9);If the driver (6) looks at the display device (9): A query is issued asking whether the driver (6) of the motor vehicle (1) wishes to automatically activate a trailer coupling assistant (8) of the motor vehicle (1), which is designed to provide longitudinal and/or lateral guidance of the motor vehicle (1) to support the coupling maneuver, whereby automatic activation of the trailer coupling assistant (8) only occurs if the query is confirmed. The invention further relates to a system (3) for automatically detecting a coupling maneuver of a motor vehicle (1) to a trailer (2).