Trailer Hitch Alignment Using Image-Based Coupler Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hitching a trailer to a vehicle is a difficult and time-consuming process due to the challenge of aligning the vehicle hitch ball with the trailer coupler, often requiring repeated maneuvers and lack of visibility, which can lead to collisions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle maneuvering control system that uses image data captured by cameras to identify the coupler position and control the vehicle's motion, employing feature extraction operations and sensors to ensure accurate alignment with the trailer coupler.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods are used, then the driver has full control over the hitching process, but the alignment precision is low and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated vision-based system. Image capture devices and processors automatically detect the coupler position and calculate the hitching path, substituting the driver's manual estimation and control with automated optical measurement and computational path planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vehicle to perform self-alignment by automatically capturing images, processing visual data to identify coupler position, calculating the optimal hitching path, and controlling steering and braking without continuous manual intervention. The vehicle serves itself in the alignment process.
2Loss of information
If the driver manually aligns the hitch ball with the coupler, then no additional sensors or cameras are needed, but the driver cannot see the coupler or hitch ball position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces image capture devices as an intermediary between the driver and the coupler position. Instead of direct visual observation, the system uses cameras to capture images of the coupler and transmits this visual information to the driver via display, enabling indirect observation of otherwise invisible positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies of the coupler position through image capture and displays this copy to the driver. The processed image data provides a replicated visual representation of the coupler's location and orientation, allowing the driver to see information that would otherwise be invisible from the driver's position.
3Ease of operation
If repeated forward and reverse driving maneuvers are performed, then the vehicle can achieve alignment with the coupler, but the risk of collision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the coupler position and pre-calculates the optimal hitching path before execution. By knowing the exact coupler location and orientation in advance, the system can plan a collision-free path that avoids unnecessary maneuvers and positions the vehicle safely for connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the hitching process through real-time image capture and compares the actual vehicle position against the planned path. This feedback enables dynamic adjustments to avoid collisions and ensures the vehicle remains on a safe trajectory throughout the maneuver.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle maneuvering system comprises at least one image device configured to capture image data and a controller. The controller is configured to identify a coupler position of a trailer in the image data and control motion of the vehicle navigating a hitch ball of the vehicle toward the coupler position. The controller is further configured to monitor a coupler distance extending from the coupler position and the hitch ball. In response to the coupler distance being less than or equal to the distance threshold, the controller is configured to classify a plurality of portions of the image data as trailer portions and non-trailer portions and identify the coupler position by processing the image via a feature extraction operation.