Trailer Drawbar Detection Using Camera Image Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle collision avoidance systems, particularly when reversing, struggle to detect trailer drawbars due to their geometrically unfavorable shape, leading to potential collisions, especially when the driver assistance system is switched off.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses image data from a camera, analyzed by an image processing algorithm, to trigger automatic braking when a trailer hitch is detected at a predetermined distance, enabling the vehicle to avoid collisions by overriding the driver's control and providing warnings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasonic sensors are used for collision avoidance, then the system can detect obstacles, but trailer drawbars with geometrically unfavorable shapes cannot be detected reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (ultrasonic sensors, cameras, and other sensors) into a hybrid sensor system. This merging allows the system to overcome the limitations of individual sensors - while ultrasonic sensors provide distance measurement, cameras provide visual confirmation of obstacle geometry, enabling reliable detection of trailer drawbars that would be missed by ultrasonic sensors alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing algorithm that acts as a mediator between the sensor data and the collision avoidance decision. The algorithm processes images to identify trailer drawbars specifically, translating visual information into actionable data that complements ultrasonic sensor measurements and enables reliable detection of geometrically challenging obstacles.
2Reliability
If the driver manually monitors camera images and brakes in time, then collision avoidance is possible, but the driver must interpret information and react quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback system where the image processing algorithm continuously monitors the camera feed, automatically identifies trailer drawbars, calculates distances, and triggers braking decisions. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates the need for manual driver interpretation and reaction, providing immediate automated response to detected obstacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting obstacles and initiating braking without requiring driver intervention. The hybrid sensor system and image processing algorithm work autonomously to monitor the environment, process information, and execute collision avoidance maneuvers, freeing the driver from the need to manually interpret camera images and react in time.
3Ease of operation
If the driver assistance system is switched off, then the driver has full control, but the vehicle cannot be brought to a standstill automatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial automation where the system can operate at different levels of intervention. When the driver assistance system is active, it provides automated braking for trailer drawbar detection. The system performs the specific function of detecting and braking for trailer drawbars automatically while leaving other driving functions under driver control, providing targeted automated action without requiring full autonomous operation.
4Reliability
If autonomous guidance systems are used, then the vehicle can be guided to and braked at the trailer drawbar, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the specific function of trailer drawbar detection and braking from the overall autonomous guidance system. Rather than implementing a complete autonomous guidance system, the invention isolates and implements only the essential components: ultrasonic sensors for distance measurement, cameras for visual detection, image processing for trailer drawbar identification, and automated braking. This extraction reduces system complexity while maintaining the critical automatic braking capability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (300) for automatically braking a vehicle (400) when the vehicle approaches a trailer drawbar (402) in the vicinity of the vehicle. In the method, image data from a camera (403) is received (301), the image data is analyzed by means of an image processing algorithm (302), and an emergency braking assistance function of the vehicle is triggered (305) when, by the analysis of the image data, a trailer drawbar (402) is detected at a predetermined distance from the trailer coupling (401) of the vehicle (303).