Trailer Type Identification via Contour Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a vehicle while towing a trailer can be challenging due to the complexity of accurately determining the hitch angle, which is critical for reliable trailer backup assist systems, especially for infrequent drivers or those with various trailer types.
Innovation Solution
A trailer type identification system using an imaging device to capture images of the trailer and a controller to analyze these images, identifying vehicle and trailer contours, predicting the trailer type based on detected connections, and validating predictions during vehicle turns, thereby determining the hitch angle accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hitch angle detection is performed using image processing to identify trailer connections, then the system can distinguish between different trailer types (fifth wheel vs. standard trailer), but the complexity of the detection algorithm and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing system segments the detection task into distinct stages: contour identification, connection detection, and validation through motion analysis. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary contour identification and connection detection before final trailer type classification. By pre-processing the image data to identify potential connections between vehicle and trailer contours, the system reduces the computational burden during the final classification stage, balancing accuracy with processing efficiency.
2Reliability
If the system validates predictions by analyzing trailer contour motion during vehicle turns, then the reliability of hitch angle detection is improved, but the time required for accurate identification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs validation during periodic vehicle operations, specifically during turn events. Rather than continuous validation, the system utilizes naturally occurring vehicle maneuvers to gather validation data, reducing the time penalty while maintaining reliability through periodic verification of predicted trailer types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from observed trailer contour motion during vehicle turns to validate predictions. By comparing the actual motion behavior with expected behavior for different trailer types, the system confirms or corrects its identification in real-time, ensuring reliability without requiring extended identification periods.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses contour identification and connection detection to predict trailer type, then the measurement precision of hitch angle is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary approach by first detecting contours and then inferring connections between vehicle and trailer based on spatial relationships. Rather than directly detecting physical connections which may be obscured, the system uses contour analysis to identify probable connection points, reducing measurement difficulty while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct mechanical or visual inspection of physical connections with image processing-based contour analysis. By substituting the detection method from direct observation to algorithmic contour matching and connection inference, the system achieves high measurement precision while reducing the practical difficulty of detection.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer type identification system is provided herein. The system includes an imaging device for capturing images of a trailer connected to a vehicle, and a controller for analyzing the captured. The controller identifies vehicle and trailer contours, predicts a trailer type based on detection of a connection between the identified vehicle and trailer contours, and validates the prediction if the identified trailer contour exhibits motion during a vehicle turn event.