Trailer Hitch Detection via Reversing Camera Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupling a trailer to a motor vehicle is challenging due to the difficulty in precisely aligning the trailer hitch, which is not visible through the vehicle's mirrors, and existing trailer coupling assistants require manual activation and are often underutilized due to complexity and lack of driver awareness.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically detect the coupling maneuver by analyzing the position changes of the trailer hitch within the reversing camera image, using a dataset of position curves from reference maneuvers to activate the trailer coupling assistant only when confirmed by the driver, providing longitudinal and lateral guidance for coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual activation of trailer coupling assistant is required, then system complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex activation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects coupling maneuvers and activates the trailer coupling assistant without requiring manual driver activation. The detection unit monitors reversing camera images to identify when a driver is performing a coupling maneuver, and the control unit automatically activates the assistance system, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring driver intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the coupling maneuver before activation is needed. By continuously monitoring the reversing camera images and analyzing trailer hitch position changes in advance, the system prepares to activate the assistance system at the optimal moment, eliminating the need for manual activation steps.
2Ease of operation
If automatic activation is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential incorrect activations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the detection unit's continuous monitoring of reversing camera images to determine whether activation conditions are met. The control unit receives feedback about trailer hitch position changes and only activates the assistance system when the feedback confirms a coupling maneuver is actually occurring, preventing incorrect activations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical activation (driver pressing buttons) with automated optical detection using the reversing camera. The detection unit analyzes image data to substitute for manual activation, providing more reliable automatic activation by using visual confirmation of the actual coupling maneuver rather than relying on driver input.
3Ease of operation
If existing assistance systems are not known to drivers, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of driver awareness
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for drivers to know about or manually activate the assistance system by making it self-activating. The detection unit automatically identifies when coupling assistance is needed and triggers the system, so drivers don't need information about activation procedures - the system takes care of itself.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for automatically detecting a coupling maneuver of a motor vehicle (10) to a trailer (12), comprising the steps of: detecting a change in position of a trailer coupling (20) of the trailer (12) within a reversing camera image (26) of the reversing motor vehicle (10); providing a data set that includes, for a plurality of coupling maneuvers performed while reversing, respective position profiles of a reference motor vehicle to a trailer coupling of a reference trailer, which characterize the respective changes in position of the trailer coupling within a reversing camera image of the reference motor vehicle; comparing the change in position of the trailer coupling (20) with the position profiles of the data set or providing a calculation formula based on the data set and comparing the change in position of the trailer coupling (20) with the calculation formula;As soon as a predetermined degree of agreement with one of the position profiles or the calculation formula is determined: Output a query as to whether a driver (16) of the motor vehicle (10) wishes to automatically activate a trailer coupling assistant (18) of the motor vehicle (10), which is designed to take over longitudinal and/or lateral guidance of the motor vehicle (10) to support the coupling maneuver, whereby automatic activation of the trailer coupling assistant (18) only takes place if the query is confirmed.