Trailer Reversing Assistant Using Image-Based Angle Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a trailer is more difficult than driving forward due to the unpredictable orientation of the drawbar, which can lead to the trailer and towing vehicle becoming entangled, as existing assistance systems fail to accurately predict the trailer's position and orientation during reversing maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A reversing assistant system that uses a camera system to determine the trailer's position and orientation relative to the tractor, deriving steering adjustments from image-based angle information, and includes a learning system to adapt to different trailer models, allowing for autonomous control or driver assistance during reversing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If angle sensors are installed on the drawbar coupling and turntable to obtain accurate angular information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image copying technology by capturing visual images of the trailer and using image processing algorithms to extract angular information. Instead of physical sensors, the system creates a digital copy (image) of the trailer position and derives measurement data from it, thereby avoiding complex sensor installations while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based measurement system with an optical/image processing system. The camera and image processing unit substitute for physical angle sensors, eliminating the need for mechanical coupling sensors and their associated cabling while providing the necessary angular information for trailer positioning
2Ease of operation
If the drawbar orientation is allowed to diverge during reversing, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as the trailer and towing vehicle may become entangled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors the relative angular position between trailer and towing vehicle using image processing, predicts potential entanglement scenarios, and provides steering guidance or autonomous control adjustments to prevent entanglement while allowing natural drawbar movement during reversing
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary prediction of the trailer's path and orientation based on current angular information and reversing dynamics. By anticipating potential entanglement situations before they occur, the system can proactively adjust steering or provide early warning to the driver, preventing entanglement rather than reacting to it after it occurs
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A reversing assistant for a vehicle combination comprising a tractor unit (1) and at least one trailer (2) comprises an input (13) for receiving images from a camera system (14), a computing unit (12) for determining angular information (α, β, y) representative of the position of the trailer (2) relative to the towing vehicle (1) based on the received images, and an output (13) for outputting steering information derived from the determined angular information.The angular information (α, β, γ) defines an articulation angle (γ) between a reference axis (L1) of the tractor (1) and a drawbar (10) pivotably coupled to the tractor (1) and a turntable angle (β) between the drawbar (10) and a reference axis (L2) of the trailer (2), and that the computing unit (12) is configured to relate the angular information (α, β, γ) to a desired direction of travel, to derive an adjustment of at least one of the articulation angle (γ) and turntable angle (β) and to output steering information to the output (13), which implements the derived adjustment.