Trailer Coupling Assistance Using Video Camera Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for guiding a vehicle to attach a hitch connector to a trailer lack precision and safety, particularly in determining the correct alignment and height of the trailer coupler relative to the vehicle's hitch connector, which can lead to collisions and difficulties in coupling.
Innovation Solution
A trailer coupling assistance system utilizing a vehicle-mounted video camera and electronic control unit with a processor to generate and analyze video images, identify the trailer coupler, determine its distance and height relative to the hitch connector, and provide visual and audio guidance or autonomous steering to assist in aligning the vehicle for coupling, while also warning of potential collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a video camera and image analysis system are used to determine distance and height, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a video camera to create a visual copy (image) of the trailer coupler and surrounding environment. By analyzing this optical copy rather than directly measuring physical dimensions, the system achieves precise distance and height determination while avoiding complex mechanical measurement devices. The image processing unit extracts spatial information from the visual copy to guide the coupling operation.
2Ease of operation
If autonomous steering control is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures video images during the coupling process and analyzes the position of the trailer coupler relative to the vehicle. This real-time feedback is provided to the operator through the display, enabling manual adjustment of the steering and coupling approach. The feedback loop allows the operator to make precise corrections while the system monitors for potential collision risks, combining automated assistance with human judgment for safe operation.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If video image analysis is used to identify trailer coupler features, then detection capability is improved, but loss of time increases due to processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-processes and stores reference information about typical trailer coupler features, geometric shapes, and configurations in its database. When a video image is captured, the image processing unit compares the captured features against these pre-stored references, significantly reducing the time required for identification. This preliminary preparation of reference data enables rapid matching and identification during the actual coupling operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for guiding a vehicle having a hitch connector to a trailer operates with a monocular vehicle video camera secured to a rear of the vehicle. In operation, the vehicle video camera generates video images from a rearward direction of the vehicle that are displayed. An electronic control unit including a processor is configured to: receive and display the video images, analyze the video images to confirm the location of a trailer coupler, analyze the video images to determine distance from a hitch connector of the vehicle to the trailer coupler, analyze the video images to determine height of the hitch connector of the vehicle, height of the trailer coupler of the trailer, and the relative height difference between the hitch connector of the vehicle and the trailer coupler of the trailer, and assist in guiding the vehicle to a trailer coupling position.