Trailer Hitch Angle Detection via Edge Map Candidate Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a vehicle while towing a trailer can be challenging due to the reliance on accurate hitch angle measurements, which existing systems often fail to provide reliably, especially for infrequent users or those with various types of trailers.
Innovation Solution
A trailer backup assist system that uses an imaging device to capture images of the trailer and a controller to process them, deriving an edge map, identifying trailer pixels, and determining the hitch angle by analyzing candidate lines relative to a reference line, thereby improving hitch angle detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional hitch angle measurement systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical hitch angle sensors with an optical imaging system. The imaging device captures images of the trailer, and image processing algorithms extract the hitch angle information, eliminating the need for direct mechanical measurement at the hitch point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an imaging device as an intermediary between the hitch angle measurement and the control system. Instead of directly measuring the angle at the hitch point, the system captures visual information and processes it to derive the hitch angle, providing indirect but accurate measurement.
2Reliability
If hitch angle detection accuracy is improved, then the reliability of trailer backup assist system is enhanced, but the complexity of image processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into distinct stages: edge detection to identify trailer boundaries, candidate line generation to potential hitch angle lines, and selection of the actual hitch angle line. This segmentation makes the complex processing more manageable and systematic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustments in the image processing algorithm, including adaptive thresholding for edge detection and flexible candidate line generation based on image characteristics. This allows the system to maintain high reliability across varying conditions while managing processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting a hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer is provided herein. An imaging device is configured to capture images of the trailer and a controller is configured to process the captured images. The controller derives an edge map and identifies trailer pixels therein. The controller defines a number of candidate lines in the edge map and determines the hitch angle based on an angle between a selected candidate line and a reference line.