Vehicular Trailering Assist System with Iterative Angle Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle vision systems face challenges in accurately determining the trailer angle and length when backing up with a trailer attached, especially under varying weather and lighting conditions, leading to potential jackknifing issues for new or inexperienced drivers.
Innovation Solution
A trailering assist system utilizing one or more CMOS cameras to capture image data and process it in real-time, detecting the trailer angle and length without the need for a target on the trailer, using feature extraction and tracking algorithms to maintain accuracy across different conditions, and incorporating vehicle parameters for precise angle calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing vehicle vision systems are used to detect trailer angle and length, then the system can provide basic trailer detection capability, but the accuracy deteriorates under varying weather and lighting conditions leading to potential jackknifing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a target object (such as a checkerboard pattern or distinctive marker) placed on the trailer as an intermediary element. This target serves as a reliable reference feature that can be consistently detected by the vision system regardless of weather or lighting conditions. The target acts as a mediator between the trailer and the detection system, providing stable geometric features for angle and length calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures multiple images of the target from different angles and positions during vehicle movement, then uses these varying parameter sets (image coordinates, angles, distances) to compute the trailer angle and length through mathematical relationships. By changing observation parameters rather than relying on a single static measurement, the system achieves more accurate and reliable results.
2Measurement precision
If a target is placed on the trailer for detection, then measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for target installation and calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting the target's position and dimensions during a calibration drive maneuver. The vehicle drives forward and then reverses, capturing images at different positions, and the system autonomously computes the trailer parameters without requiring manual measurement or configuration by the user. This self-service approach reduces operational complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process is performed as a preliminary action during the first use or when trailer parameters change. Once calibrated, the system stores the computed parameters for future use, eliminating the need for repeated manual setup. The preliminary calibration establishes the geometric relationships that enable accurate ongoing detection without further user intervention.
3Measurement precision
If manual entry of trailer properties is required, then the system can be configured for specific trailers, but the productivity deteriorates due to the time-consuming setup process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of measuring and entering trailer dimensions with an automated optical vision system. Instead of physically measuring the trailer and inputting data, the system uses image capture and computer vision algorithms to automatically determine trailer angle and length, dramatically reducing setup time while maintaining or improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital model or representation of the trailer's geometric parameters through image processing. By capturing visual information and converting it into computational data, the system creates an accurate digital copy of the trailer's physical dimensions and orientation, eliminating the need for manual data entry while preserving measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular trailering assist system includes a camera and an image processor operable to process image data captured by the camera. The vehicular trailering assist system iteratively predicts a plurality of predicted trailer angles based on a corresponding plurality of potential trailer beam lengths ranging between an upper dimension above a baseline trailer beam length and a lower dimension below the baseline trailer beam length and selects a trailer angle from the plurality of predicted trailer angles that least deviates from a current trailer angle determined via processing by the image processor of image data captured by the camera. The potential trailer beam length that corresponds to the selected trailer angle that least deviates from the determined current trailer angle is used in determining trailer angles for that trailer during future drives of the vehicle when towing that particular trailer.