Trailer Tow Ball Positioning via Camera and Coordinate Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the real position of a trailer tow ball are inaccurate due to manual input and changes in pitch angle during travel, leading to potential errors in hitch angle detection and safety risks in road traffic.
Innovation Solution
A method using an assistance system with a capturing device and electronic computing device to determine the real position of the trailer tow ball through relative space coordinates, allowing for precise and automatic positioning without manual input, using image processing and tolerance ranges for accurate determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input method is used to determine trailer tow ball position, then user can input position information, but measurement precision deteriorates due to pitch angle changes during travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical input system with an optical sensing system (camera) and automated image processing system. The capturing device optically detects the trailer tow ball position, and the electronic computing device automatically processes images to determine real position, eliminating manual input errors caused by pitch angle changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement by automatically capturing images of the trailer tow ball and computing its real position without requiring user intervention. The assistance system independently determines position coordinates through image processing, making the system self-sufficient and immune to manual input errors.
2Extent of automation
If camera is used to capture trailer tow ball position, then automation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to capture exact position in real environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the two-dimensional image coordinates into three-dimensional real-world coordinates by introducing the third real space coordinate (vertical distance from roadway) and using coordinate transformation matrices. This dimensional conversion enables the camera to accurately capture the trailer tow ball's real position in the physical environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coordinate transformation matrix as an intermediary between the camera's image coordinate system and the real-world coordinate system. This mathematical intermediary enables accurate conversion and alignment of coordinates, allowing the automated system to precisely determine the trailer tow ball's real position.
3Measurement precision
If multiple coordinates are determined for trailer tow ball position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a unified coordinate transformation approach that handles all three spatial coordinates (X, Y, Z) through a single mathematical framework. The same transformation matrix methodology applies to convert image coordinates to real-world coordinates for any point in the scene, making the system universally applicable and managing complexity through standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining a real position (X, Y, Z) of a trailer tow ball (6) of a tow hitch (4) of a motor vehicle (1) by means of an assistance system (9) of the motor vehicle (1) by: capturing the trailer tow ball (6) and determining a characterizing property (11) of the trailer tow ball (6), determining a relative position (x, y) of the characterizing property (11), determining a first real space coordinate (X) and a second real space coordinate (Y), presetting a third real space coordinate (Z) for the third real space coordinate (Z) within a predetermined coordinate interval, generating a comparative position of the trailer tow ball (6) at least depending on the preset third real space coordinate (Z) by means of the electronic computing device (12), determining the real position (X, Y, Z) with the preset third real space coordinate (Z) upon coincidence of the relative position (x, y) with the comparative position. Further the invention relates to an assistance system (9) and to a motor vehicle (1).