Trailer Maneuver Assist Using Vision-Based Obstacle-Free Path Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle and trailer maneuvering systems require manual steering, acceleration, and brake inputs from the driver, and are not efficient in navigating obstacles during trailer hitching and maneuvering, especially under varying lighting and road conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle vision system using CMOS cameras captures exterior and rearward images, processes the data to determine an obstacle-free path, and automatically controls the vehicle and trailer to maneuver to a target location without driver input, utilizing control algorithms and sensors for obstacle detection and path planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual steering, acceleration, and brake inputs are required from the driver, then the driver maintains direct control over the vehicle, but the maneuvering efficiency and obstacle navigation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the vehicle to maneuver itself automatically by using cameras to detect obstacles and control algorithms to execute path planning, eliminating the need for continuous manual steering, acceleration, and braking inputs from the driver
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated vision-based system that uses CMOS cameras for obstacle detection and control algorithms for path execution, substituting human-operated mechanical controls with an automated electronic control system
2Productivity
If the system automatically controls the vehicle without manual input, then maneuvering efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-functional integrated approach where CMOS cameras serve both as obstacle detection sensors and as sources for generating bird's-eye view images for display, and where the control algorithms handle both path planning and execution functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a display device as an intermediary that presents bird's-eye view images and obstacle information to the driver, serving as a communication bridge between the automated control system and the human operator
3Ease of manufacture
If standard cameras are used, then the system is cost-effective, but performance under varying lighting conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system addresses lighting variability by using CMOS cameras with adjustable exposure parameters and image processing algorithms that adapt to different lighting conditions, allowing standard cameras to maintain reliable performance across varying environmental conditions
4Measurement precision
If the system processes image data to determine obstacle-free paths, then obstacle detection accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system processes image data at different levels of detail - using the CMOS cameras to capture full-resolution images for accurate obstacle detection, while generating simplified bird's-eye view representations for display, allowing selective processing based on the specific operational need
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular trailering assist system includes at least one vehicle camera, an electronic control unit (ECU) and a display screen disposed at a vehicle. When a trailer hitched to the vehicle is not a trailer for which the vehicular trailering assist system has been previously calibrated, the driver is instructed to calibrate the system for the trailer. When the vehicular trailering assist system is calibrated, the system determines an obstacle-free path of travel for the vehicle and the trailer to follow to maneuver toward a target location. The system controls steering of the vehicle to maneuver the vehicle and the trailer along the determined obstacle-free path of travel. While the vehicle and the trailer are maneuvered along the determined obstacle-free path of travel, the determined obstacle-free path of travel is displayed on the display screen overlaying displayed video images derived from image data captured by the vehicle camera.