Trailer Hitch Angle Detection Using Wheel Aspect Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for reversing a vehicle while towing a trailer often rely on user-inputted trailer length, which can introduce inaccuracies and burden the user, and require complex kinematic models to determine the hitch angle, making the process challenging and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A backup assist system that uses a camera to identify the trailer wheel's aspect ratio or position in images, determining the hitch angle and implementing a kinematic model to control the steering system for precise trailer alignment during reversing, independent of user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If user input is used for trailer length, then user control is maintained, but accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to user error and burden
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and measures trailer length using camera images and image processing algorithms, eliminating the need for manual user input. The controller autonomously identifies trailer features in captured images and calculates length parameters, allowing the system to serve itself rather than relying on user-provided data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual measurement methods with an optical system. A camera captures images of the trailer, and image processing algorithms automatically extract length information from these visual data, substituting mechanical/manual measurement with optical detection and computational analysis.
2Measurement precision
If complex kinematic models are used for hitch angle determination, then calculation accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential visual features needed for hitch angle calculation from the trailer image, such as wheel position and orientation. By focusing on specific key features rather than processing the entire complex kinematic model, the system simplifies the calculation while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary between the camera and the kinematic model. These algorithms process visual data to extract meaningful parameters (wheel position, orientation) that serve as simplified inputs for the hitch angle calculation, mediating between raw visual data and complex kinematic computations.
3Ease of operation
If automated trailer length estimation is implemented, then user burden is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves multiple functions: it captures images for both trailer length measurement and hitch angle determination. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single unified device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines length estimation and hitch angle determination into a single integrated process using the same camera and controller. By merging these functions rather than implementing them as separate systems, the patent reduces complexity while providing comprehensive automated trailer measurement capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A backup assist system for a vehicle and trailer combination includes a steering system, a camera generating an image of the trailer, and a controller. The controller receives the image and identifying a wheel therein, determines a trailer hitch angle using at least one of an aspect ratio or location of the wheel in the image, and implements a trailer backup mode including using the estimated hitch angle in view of a kinematic model of the vehicle and trailer combination to control the steering system in reversing the trailer along a user-selected path.