Trailer Hitch Point Detection via Edge Map Analysis
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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 drivers 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, processes them to derive an edge map, and determines the hitch point location based on pixel intensity differences, allowing for accurate hitch angle detection and prevention of unacceptable trailer backup conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hitch angle measurements are used to determine trailer position, then trailer backup assist can be provided, but the measurements often lack accuracy and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical hitch angle sensors with an optical imaging system. The imaging device captures images of the trailer and drawbar, and image processing algorithms automatically determine the hitch angle by detecting edges and contours in the captured images, eliminating reliance on mechanical measurement components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the physical scene through imaging. By capturing visual information of the trailer and drawbar configuration and processing this digital representation, the system determines hitch angle without direct physical measurement, improving both reliability and precision.
2Measurement precision
If image processing is used to detect hitch point location, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing is divided into distinct functional segments: image capture by the imaging device, edge detection to identify drawbar boundaries, contour analysis to locate the hitch point, and coordinate transformation to calculate hitch angle. This segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture and makes each component more manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the imaging device to capture images that automatically contain the necessary information for hitch point detection. The image processing algorithms extract features directly from the captured images without requiring additional sensors or complex external systems, allowing the imaging system to serve multiple functions.
3Reliability
If multiple images are processed to locate the hitch point, then measurement reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system processes images at periodic intervals during the backup maneuver rather than continuously analyzing every frame. By selecting specific images from the sequence captured by the imaging device and processing only those, the system maintains detection reliability while reducing overall processing time and computational load.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for locating an imaged hitch point between a vehicle and a trailer is provided herein. An imaging device is configured to capture images of the trailer. A controller is configured to select two images captured by the imaging device and derive an edge map for each of the two images. The controller determines the location of the imaged hitch point based on differences in pixel intensity associated with a number of predefined pixel positions common to the two images.