Trailer Hitch Angle Tracking Without a Trailer-Mounted Target
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer tracking systems require a target to be mounted on the trailer, which complicates the setup and may not be feasible depending on the trailer configuration, leading to inaccuracies in tracking the hitch angle.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses image data from a vehicle-mounted sensor to determine hitch angle without a trailer-mounted target, employing multiple processors to calculate offset and correction angles, and utilizes different computer vision algorithms to ensure accuracy and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a target is mounted on the trailer to enable tracking, then the trailer can be tracked by the imaging sensor, but the setup becomes time-consuming and may not be feasible depending on trailer configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the target from the trailer and keeps it only on the vehicle. The imaging sensor on the vehicle captures images of the trailer without requiring any additional target on the trailer. This extraction of the target from the trailer eliminates setup complexity while maintaining tracking capability through image processing algorithms that identify trailer features directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own imaging sensor and processing capabilities to track the trailer. The control system on the vehicle performs all necessary image processing, angle calculation, and tracking functions independently without requiring external targets or additional equipment on the trailer. The vehicle serves itself to monitor its own towing operation.
2Measurement precision
If a target is mounted on the trailer in a specified location, then consistent tracking is achieved, but this may not be possible depending on trailer configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to work with various trailer configurations without requiring specific target mounting locations. The image processing algorithms can identify and track different trailer types (caravans, horse trailers, boat trailers, etc.) using their inherent features rather than requiring a standardized target installation. This makes the system universally applicable across diverse trailer configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from fixed target location to dynamic feature identification. Instead of relying on a target at a specific position, the system uses image processing to identify trailer features that may vary in position and appearance across different trailer types. The algorithms adapt to different trailer geometries, materials, and configurations by detecting relevant features in the captured images.
3Measurement precision
If multiple processors are used to calculate different angles, then processing speed and accuracy are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the angle calculation task into multiple independent components: offset angle calculation, change angle calculation, and correction angle calculation. Each processor or processing thread handles a specific angle component, allowing parallel computation and improving overall accuracy through modular design. This segmentation enables sophisticated multi-angle processing without creating a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where calculated angles are continuously refined. The correction angle is computed based on differences between reference images and current images, and this correction is applied to improve the accuracy of the final hitch angle measurement. Multiple processors provide intermediate results that feed into subsequent calculation stages, creating a feedback loop that enhances precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to a control system (2) for monitoring a movement of a trailer (3) connected to a vehicle (1). The control system comprises one or more controllers (5) and is configured to: receive image data from an image sensor (10) disposed on the vehicle; store image data corresponding to a central reference image, a current reference image and a current frame and associate an offset angle with the current reference image, and associate a correction angle with current reference image. The control system (2) is configured to compare the current reference image to the current frame to determine a change angle; determine a hitch angle in dependence on the offset angle, the change angle and the correction angle; and output the hitch angle.