Trailer Optical Target Fade Detection via Histogram Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer backup assist systems face challenges in detecting curved paths and jackknife conditions during reversing, requiring complex human-machine interfaces and high-precision navigation, and fail to effectively monitor the degradation of optical targets on trailers, which can lead to inaccurate steering and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a vehicle-mounted camera to generate image data of an optical target on a trailer at chronologically spaced times, analyzing image histogram data to detect fading or degradation, and providing alerts when predefined criteria are met, thereby improving the reliability of trailer backup assist systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a target is placed on a trailer for backup assist, then the system can detect trailer position and angle, but the target may fade or degrade over time leading to inaccurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of target condition by capturing images of the target at scheduled intervals and analyzing histogram data to detect fading or degradation before it significantly impacts backup assist accuracy. This allows proactive warning to the user to replace the target before it causes detection failures.
2Ease of operation
If known trailer backup assist systems assume a zero curvature path, then the system operation is simplified, but the system cannot handle real-world curved path scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its path assumptions based on actual operating conditions. Rather than rigidly assuming zero curvature, the system can detect and respond to curved path scenarios by analyzing target position changes over time and adjusting its control algorithms accordingly, allowing it to handle both straight and curved backup scenarios.
3Measurement precision
If high-precision GPS and inertial navigation are used to determine path following, then path accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a simplified approach by capturing images of the visual target on the trailer and using histogram analysis to determine position and angle. This replaces complex GPS and inertial navigation systems with a simpler camera-based visual recognition system that achieves sufficient accuracy for backup assist applications without requiring high-precision navigation hardware.
4Ease of operation
If a jackknife condition is detected late, then the vehicle can be pulled forward to relieve the angle, but damage may have already occurred to the vehicle or trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors target position and hitch angle with high frequency, providing real-time feedback to the control system. When the hitch angle approaches dangerous levels, the system can warn the user or automatically adjust steering to prevent jackknife conditions, allowing corrective action before damage occurs rather than merely recovering after the fact.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting degradation of an optical target on a trailer. The method includes generating a first set of data corresponding to optical characteristics of an optical target on a trailer. The method also includes generating a second set of data corresponding to optical characteristics of an optical target on a trailer after generating the first set of data. The method further includes providing an alert if differences between the first and second sets of data exceed predefined criteria indicating that the target has degraded. The predefined criteria may comprise fading or other suitable optical characteristics of the target.