Automated Trailer Hitch Alignment Using Image Coordinates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current driver assistance systems for attaching a tow vehicle to a trailer require multiple people for alignment, as existing automated systems are not efficient in providing precise directional guidance, especially for those unfamiliar with the hitching process.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a neural network and computing device to detect trailers, calculate the pixel angular difference and distance between the tow vehicle hitch ball and trailer hitch receiver, and autonomously maneuver the vehicle to align with the trailer, using a drive system and sensor system for precise path planning and execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple people are used to provide directional guidance for hitching, then alignment accuracy can be improved, but the complexity of the operation and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's own sensors (cameras, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors) and onboard computing devices to automatically detect the trailer, calculate the hitching path, and guide the maneuver without requiring external human observers. The vehicle performs the alignment function itself through autonomous sensing and computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical guidance system (multiple people visually observing and providing verbal directions) with an automated sensor-based system that uses cameras, LIDAR, and ultrasonic sensors to detect positions and calculate alignment paths, substituting human judgment with automated computational geometry and path planning algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If multiple people are used to provide directional guidance for hitching, then alignment accuracy can be improved, but the time required for the operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the trailer's position, orientation, and dimensions using sensors before the hitching maneuver begins. The computing device pre-calculates the optimal hitching path and provides real-time guidance during the maneuver, eliminating the need for trial-and-error adjustments that would extend the operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the vehicle's position relative to the trailer using sensors during the hitching maneuver and provides real-time feedback through the user interface, allowing the driver to make precise adjustments based on automated guidance rather than relying on delayed verbal instructions from external observers.
3Ease of operation
If automated sensor systems are used for hitching assistance, then the need for multiple people is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-functional sensor array that serves multiple purposes: cameras detect the trailer's visual appearance and position, LIDAR measures distances and creates 3D maps, and ultrasonic sensors detect proximity to obstacles. These same sensors are used throughout the hitching process for detection, path calculation, and real-time guidance, eliminating the need for separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing technologies (cameras, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors) and computational functions (detection, path planning, real-time guidance) into an integrated hitching assistance system that operates through a single user interface, merging what would otherwise be separate complex subsystems into a unified operation.
4Device complexity
If traditional manual hitching guidance is used, then system complexity is minimized, but safety is reduced due to the need for multiple people outside the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for external observers by enabling the vehicle to autonomously detect the trailer and calculate the hitching path using its own onboard sensors and computing devices, removing people from hazardous positions outside the vehicle while maintaining high safety standards through automated sensing and guidance.
Data Source
Figure 1A
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Figure 2A
AI summary
A method of maneuvering a vehicle in reverse for attachment to a trailer, includes receiving a trailer hitch receiver image location shown within one or more images from at least one vehicle camera. The method also includes determining, a pixel angular difference in the image between a tow vehicle fore-aft axis and a trailer fore-aft axis, determining a pixel distance between a tow vehicle hitch ball and a hitch receiver, and determining a vehicle path from an initial position to a final position adjacent the trailer. The vehicle path includes maneuvers configured to move the vehicle along the vehicle path from the initial position to the final position. Then autonomously following, at a drive system in communication with the computing device, the vehicle path from the initial position to the final position.