Trailer Hitch Coupler Detection for Accurate Vehicle Hitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle hitching assist systems face challenges in accurately detecting the position of a hitch portion on a trailer, leading to potential hitching failures due to errors in position detection.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle hitching assist system that uses an external world perception sensor to detect the position of a hitch coupler on a trailer by comparing image patterns and provides steering instructions for accurate hitching, or prompts the driver to manually hitch when image patterns cannot be acquired.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If image-based detection method is used to detect hitch portion position, then automation extent is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to detection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a notification system as an intermediary between the image-based detection system and the driver. When detection accuracy is insufficient or the hitch portion cannot be detected, the system issues notifications to prompt the driver to perform manual positioning, thereby combining automated detection with manual verification to achieve both automation and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial automation by using image-based detection for initial hitch portion location identification, but supplements this with manual driver intervention when detection confidence is low. This partial automation approach allows the system to benefit from automated detection while maintaining precision through selective manual correction
2Measurement precision
If manual hitching is required when image pattern is not acquired, then measurement precision is improved through driver verification, but productivity deteriorates due to additional manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by monitoring detection confidence levels and automatically issuing notifications when the image pattern acquisition is insufficient. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust between automated and manual modes, ensuring precision is maintained while minimizing manual intervention to only when necessary, thus preserving productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle hitching assist apparatus according to the present invention includes a first mode configured to, when an image pattern of a second hitch portion provided on a trailer is acquired, detect a position of the second hitch portion based on a comparison between the image pattern and an image acquired by an external world perception sensor mounted on a rear portion of a vehicle and output a steering instruction for assisting in hitching between the trailer and the vehicle based on the detected position of the second hitch portion to a steering controller of the vehicle, and a second mode configured to, when the image pattern is not acquired, issue a notification for prompting a driver of the vehicle to manually hitch the trailer and the vehicle.