Trailer Hitch Angle Initialization via Dynamic Routine Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reversing a vehicle while towing a trailer can be challenging due to the accuracy and reliability issues in hitch angle measurements, which are critical for trailer backup assist systems.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses an imaging device to capture images of the trailer and a controller to select between different hitch angle detection routines based on current driving conditions and the availability of a template image, employing methods like template matching, centerline detection, and kinematic modeling to determine the hitch angle accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single hitch angle detection routine is used, then the system is simple to implement, but the accuracy and reliability of hitch angle measurements deteriorate under varying driving conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehitch angle measurement accuracyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between multiple hitch angle detection routines based on current driving conditions. The controller determines which routine (first, second, or third) is most appropriate given the present operational context, allowing the system to adapt its detection methodology rather than using a fixed single approach. This dynamic selection resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision across varying conditions while managing complexity through conditional logic rather than permanently implementing all detection methods simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of hitch angle detection by switching between different detection routines based on driving conditions. Each routine may use different algorithms, sensor combinations, or processing methods optimized for specific conditions. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain high measurement accuracy across diverse operating scenarios without requiring all detection mechanisms to be active at once, thus managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple hitch angle detection routines are implemented, then the reliability of hitch angle measurements improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehitch angle detection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic selection logic that activates only the necessary detection routine based on current driving conditions. Rather than operating all detection routines simultaneously, the controller assesses the present context and selects the most appropriate routine (first, second, or third), achieving reliable hitch angle measurements while minimizing the active computational and hardware complexity at any given moment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hitch angle detection system is segmented into multiple specialized routines, each optimized for specific driving conditions. The controller divides the overall detection task by selecting only the relevant segment (routine) for current operation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high reliability through specialized detection methods while managing complexity by activating only one routine at a time rather than running all routines concurrently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If template matching is used for hitch angle detection, then the accuracy improves when template images are available, but the system fails when template images are not available

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehitch angle measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem adaptability to different conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves multi-functionality by implementing multiple hitch angle detection routines that can operate under different conditions. When template images are available, the system uses template matching for high accuracy. When template images are not available, the system transitions to alternative routines (second or third routines) that can determine hitch angle through other methods. This universal approach ensures the system remains adaptable and functional across all operating conditions while maintaining measurement precision when templates are present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically transitions between template-based detection and alternative detection methods based on the availability of template images and current driving conditions. The controller assesses whether template matching is feasible and switches to appropriate alternative routines when templates are unavailable, ensuring continuous operational adaptability while maintaining measurement accuracy when template conditions are satisfied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9827818B2Multi-stage solution for trailer hitch angle initialization
Publication Date: 2017.11.28 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US9827818B2 patent drawing
  • US9827818B2 patent drawing
  • US9827818B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for initializing hitch angle detection is provided herein. An imaging device is configured to capture images of a trailer connected to a vehicle. A controller is configured to select between a plurality of hitch angle detection routines based on at least one of a current driving condition and an availability of a template image of the trailer.