Trailer Hitch Angle Detection Using Multi-Camera Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle maneuvering systems, especially those towing trailers, lack effective methods for determining hitch angle, predicting trailer paths, detecting obstacles, and assisting in trailer hitching, which can lead to instability and difficulty in parking and reversing maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple vehicle-mounted video cameras with zoom and pan capabilities, combined with sensors and image processing, to track markers on the trailer, calculate hitch angles, predict trailer paths, detect obstacles, and assist in hitching by displaying critical information to the driver, including trailer path overlays and obstacle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple vehicle-mounted video cameras with pan and zoom capability are used to track obstacles and markers, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring task among multiple cameras positioned at different locations on the vehicle. Each camera is responsible for specific zones (rearward view, side views), and the system segments the field of view to track different markers simultaneously. This segmentation enables precise hitch angle measurement without requiring a single complex camera system.
Solution Approach 2:
The video camera system is designed to perform multiple functions: tracking the trailer hitch ball and marker to determine hitch angle, monitoring obstacles in the vehicle path, and providing visual feedback to the driver. By making the camera system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while improving measurement precision.
2Reliability
If the system calculates turning radius and predicts trailer path using hitch angle and hitch length, then reliability of maneuvering assistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates the turning radius using the formula R=H/θt (where H is hitch length and θt is hitch angle) and predicts the trailer path in advance based on current hitch parameters. This preliminary calculation allows the system to provide guidance paths to the driver before the maneuver is executed, improving reliability by allowing the driver to plan the maneuver with knowledge of the predicted trailer trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors hitch angle and trailer position, compares actual trailer path with predicted path, and provides feedback to the driver through visual displays. This feedback loop enables the driver to make real-time adjustments to maintain the trailer on the desired path, improving maneuvering reliability without requiring complex automated control systems.
3Ease of operation
If zoom capability is used to display close-up of tow ball and hitch during hitching assistance, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system dynamically adjusts its zoom level based on the distance between the vehicle and trailer during the hitching maneuver. When the vehicle approaches the trailer, the camera automatically zooms in to provide a close-up view of the tow ball and hitch for precise alignment. As the vehicle moves away, the camera zooms out to show the overall positioning. This dynamic adjustment simplifies the hitching operation without requiring manual zoom control from the driver.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle 1 towing a trailer 4 is fitted with three video cameras 5, 6, 7 fitted to the rear of the vehicle and on each door mirror. A view from any camera can be presented to the driver on a display 11. A predicted trailer path, calculated in a computing unit 10, is also presented to the driver on the display 11 as guide lines overlaid on the camera view. The computing unit 10 is also configured to calculate a hitch angle by tracking the position of a trailer-mounted marker in the camera view.