Trailer Hitch Angle Detection Using Multi-Camera Confidence Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a vehicle while towing a trailer can be challenging due to the inaccuracies and unreliabilities in hitch angle measurements, which are critical for trailer backup assist systems, especially for infrequent users or those with various types of trailers.
Innovation Solution
A trailer backup assist system utilizing multiple imaging devices to capture rear-vehicle images, with a controller determining a confidence score for each device's output based on the number of trailer features tracked and their quality, and calculating the hitch angle from the device with the highest confidence score.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single imaging device is used to capture rear-vehicle images, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability of hitch angle detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging function into multiple separate imaging devices positioned at different locations (e.g., center rear, left side, right side). Each device captures images from its specific viewpoint, and the controller segments the analysis by evaluating each device's output independently to determine which provides the most reliable hitch angle measurement for current conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple imaging devices perform the same basic function (capturing rear-vehicle images) but from different positions and perspectives. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to various trailer types, hitch angles, and environmental conditions by selecting the most appropriate device output, making the system universally applicable to diverse towing scenarios.
2Reliability
If multiple imaging devices are used to capture rear-vehicle images, then the reliability of hitch angle measurements improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements a feedback mechanism by evaluating the output of each imaging device and assigning confidence scores based on tracking quality and feature detection success. This feedback loop allows the system to dynamically select the most reliable device output for current conditions, ensuring consistent hitch angle measurement reliability despite the increased complexity of having multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by adjusting which imaging device's output is utilized based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors tracking quality, feature detection success, and confidence scores, then selects the device with the optimal parameters for the current situation, thereby maintaining high reliability across varying operational contexts.
3Reliability
If hitch angle measurements are inaccurate, then the ease of operation for trailer backup is maintained, but the safety and reliability of trailer maneuvering deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of multiple imaging device outputs before final hitch angle determination. The controller pre-assesses tracking quality, feature detection success, and confidence scores for each device, preparing multiple candidate measurements in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the most reliable measurement is selected before being used for backup assist control, enhancing safety without significantly increasing operational difficulty.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer backup assist system is provided herein. A plurality of imaging devices is configured to capture rear-vehicle images. A controller is configured to receive output from each imaging device. The controller processes the output from each imaging device to track a number of trailer features. The controller determines a confidence score for the output of each imaging device. The confidence score is determined based on the number of trailer features being tracked and a tracking quality of each trailer feature. The controller also determines a hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer based on the output associated with whichever imaging device yielded the highest confidence score.