Multi-Camera Trailer Dimension Estimation for High-Angle Towing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer assist systems face challenges in accurately determining trailer dimensions and angles due to limited visibility from tailgate cameras, leading to difficulties in maneuvering and increased risk of jack-knife situations during towing operations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple rearward-facing cameras and sensors on the tow vehicle to capture a wide panoramic view, combined with image processing algorithms, to accurately estimate trailer dimensions and angles, including features like wheelbase, hitch angle, length, width, and height, and provide real-time assistance for safe towing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only a tailgate camera is used for trailer detection, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of trailer dimensions and angles deteriorates due to limited visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is segmented into multiple cameras positioned at different locations on the tow vehicle (tailgate camera, side-view cameras, and front-facing cameras). Each camera captures a specific portion of the trailer, and their data is integrated to achieve comprehensive measurement coverage that no single camera could provide alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-viewpoint 2D image capture to multi-viewpoint 3D spatial observation. By positioning cameras at multiple locations and angles around the tow vehicle, the system captures trailer features from different dimensional perspectives, enabling accurate measurement of trailer dimensions and angles that cannot be obtained from a single tailgate camera view.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to improve trailer visibility, then the measurement precision of trailer dimensions improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-camera system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: capturing trailer images for dimension measurement, detecting trailer angles, monitoring for jack-knife conditions, and providing comprehensive rearward visibility. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by delivering comprehensive measurement and safety capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing system that acts as an intermediary between the multiple cameras and the control system. This intermediary processes images from multiple cameras, integrates the data, and extracts trailer dimension and angle information, thereby managing the complexity of coordinating multiple cameras while achieving precise measurements.
3Ease of operation
If a tailgate camera is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability of trailer assist operations deteriorates due to limited visibility at higher trailer angles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images from multiple cameras before processing and analyzing them to determine trailer dimensions and angles. This preliminary multi-angle capture ensures that sufficient visual data is available even when the trailer is at higher angles, maintaining reliability while keeping the final user interface simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple camera viewpoints to continuously monitor trailer position and dimensions. By integrating information from tailgate, side-view, and front-facing cameras, the system maintains reliable detection of trailer characteristics across various angles and provides accurate feedback for trailer assist operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Visual trailer tracking for vehicle-trailer angle estimation is performed by: receiving image data from cameras positioned on a tow vehicle and rearwardly facing to capture a rearward environment of the tow vehicle that includes a connected trailer; detecting a representation of the trailer in the received image data from each of the cameras; based upon the trailer representation in the image data from each camera, selecting at least one camera from the plurality of cameras; detecting a feature of the trailer representation and a location of the trailer representation feature in the image data from the selected at least one camera; estimating a distance associated with the detected feature of the trailer representation; determining a trailer dimension based upon the estimated distance of the detected feature; and initiating a trailer-assist operation for the tow vehicle based upon the determined trailer dimension.