Vehicle-Trailer Alignment via 3D Coupler Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning a vehicle with a trailer are inefficient due to reliance on driver selection or classifiers, which can fail to accurately identify and localize trailer couplers, and do not account for distance or height, leading to potential collision risks.
Innovation Solution
A system using an image sensor and electronic processor to create a three-dimensional model of the area surrounding the vehicle, allowing for automatic vehicle maneuvers to align with the trailer, including determining alignment and stopping the maneuver when the vehicle is correctly positioned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a classifier is used to identify the trailer coupler, then the system can automatically detect the coupler, but it fails when the coupler is not recognized or requires significant computational effort and large training datasets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary geometric modeling process between image capture and alignment control. Instead of directly using classifier output, the system creates a 3D model of the trailer coupler from multiple images, which serves as a reliable intermediary representation that can be accurately measured for position, distance, and orientation without requiring perfect classifier recognition
2Measurement precision
If the trailer coupler location is determined from the image, then the position can be identified, but the distance to the trailer coupler or the height of the trailer coupler cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image coordinates to three-dimensional spatial coordinates by constructing a 3D geometric model of the trailer coupler. This dimensionality change enables the system to recover depth information (distance) and vertical position (height) that are lost in standard 2D images, allowing complete spatial characterization of the coupler
3Ease of operation
If existing methods are used for alignment, then the process can be simplified, but the alignment accuracy is insufficient due to failure to account for distance or height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the 3D model of the trailer coupler continuously provides accurate position, distance, and height information back to the alignment control system. This feedback enables real-time adjustment of vehicle maneuvers to achieve precise alignment, maintaining simplicity of operation while dramatically improving alignment accuracy through informed control decisions
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for aligning a vehicle with a trailer. One system includes an image sensor configured to collect a plurality of images. The system also includes an electronic processor configured to receive the plurality of images from the image sensor. The electronic processor is also configured to determine a three-dimensional model of an area surrounding the vehicle using the plurality of images. The electronic processor is also configured to control the vehicle to automatically perform a vehicle maneuver to align the vehicle with the trailer based on the three-dimensional model of the area surrounding the vehicle. The electronic processor is also configured to determine when the vehicle is aligned with the trailer and stop the vehicle from automatically performing the vehicle maneuver when the vehicle is aligned with the trailer.