Trailer Reverse HMI With Multi-View Guidance for Solo Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a trailer in confined spaces or high-traffic environments requires significant driver skill and often necessitates a second person outside the lead vehicle to communicate obstacles, with conventional steering systems causing the trailer to turn opposite to the intended direction, complicating maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A human machine interface (HMI) system for vehicles with a lead vehicle and a trailer, incorporating sensors, cameras, and a controller to provide a comprehensive display and intuitive steering controls, allowing the driver to maneuver the trailer without external assistance, including a trailer rear view, multi-vehicle top view, and lead vehicle backup camera view, with dynamic steering lines and warning icons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional steering wheel control is used for trailer reversal, then the driver can operate the lead vehicle, but the trailer turns in the opposite direction of the intended turn, requiring complex double reverse maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The system inverts the steering control logic by providing a separate trailer steering control that directly controls the trailer's steering in the same direction as the driver intends, rather than relying on the lead vehicle's steering wheel which causes opposite-direction turning. This inversion of the control relationship eliminates the need for complex double reverse maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary control mechanism (trailer steering control with feedback) that mediates between the driver's intent and the trailer's actual steering action. This intermediary provides direct feedback about the trailer's steering angle and position, allowing the driver to make precise adjustments without complex maneuvers.
2Ease of operation
If no external spotter is used, then the driver operates alone in the lead vehicle, but obstacles out of the driver's field of view cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the driver to self-monitor trailer reversal by providing multiple camera views (rear view camera, side view cameras, and overhead view) and real-time feedback about the trailer's position and orientation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for an external spotter while maintaining comprehensive obstacle detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds dimensional perspectives by providing overhead/aerial views and side view camera feeds that show areas invisible from the driver's seated position. This multi-dimensional visual information allows the driver to detect obstacles in all directions without external assistance.
3Device complexity
If conventional single-camera backup view is used, then the system is simple, but it does not provide sufficient visualization of the trailer's position and surrounding obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple camera feeds (rear view, side views, overhead views) and sensor data into a single integrated display interface. This combination provides comprehensive visualization of the trailer's position, orientation, and surrounding obstacles in one view, eliminating information loss while maintaining manageable system complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system serves multiple functions simultaneously: showing the trailer's position, detecting obstacles, providing steering feedback, and offering different camera angle selections. This multi-functionality compensates for the increased camera system complexity by providing comprehensive information in a unified interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A human machine interface (HMI) system for a multi-vehicle system having a lead vehicle and a trailer vehicle with independent propulsion and control includes a display disposed in the lead vehicle, a lead vehicle sensor suite, a trailer vehicle sensor suite, and a controller configured to generate a trailer reverse screen on the display. The trailer reverse screen includes (i) a trailer rear view showing a view from one or more cameras located on a rear of the trailer vehicle, (ii) a multi-vehicle system top view showing a view from above the multi-vehicle system based on signals from one or more cameras located on the multi-vehicle system, and (iii) a lead vehicle backup camera view from a lead vehicle backup camera, to thereby provide a driver of the lead vehicle with an intuitive perspective for reversing the trailer vehicle without aid from another person outside of the lead vehicle.