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Estimation of trailer off-tracking using visual odometry

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

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Authors

de Saxe, Christopher Charles 

Abstract

High Capacity Vehicles (HCVs) have been shown to be highly effective in reducing emissions associated with road freight transport. However, the reduced manoeuvrability of long vehicles often necessitates the use of active trailer steering. Path-following trailer steering systems are very effective in this regard, but are currently limited to on-highway applications due to the manner in which trailer off-tracking is estimated. In this work, a novel trailer off- tracking measurement concept is introduced which is independent of wheel slip and ground surface conditions, and requires no additional sensor measurements or parameter data from the tractor. The concept utilises a stereo camera pair affixed to the trailer and a visual odometry-based algorithm to calculate off-tracking. The concept was evaluated in detailed simulation and full-scale vehicle tests, demonstrating its feasibility and highlighting some important characteristics. RMS measurement errors of 0.11-0.12 m (3.3-3.6%) were obtained in a challenging visual environment.

Description

Keywords

Off-tracking; Trailer steering; Visual odometry; Stereo vision; Articulated vehicles

Journal Title

Vehicle System Dynamics

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1744-5159
1744-5159

Volume Title

Publisher

Taylor & Francis
Sponsorship
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/D004152/1)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/K00915X/1)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/R035199/1)
CSIR, South Africa; Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust, UK; Cambridge Vehicle Dynamics Consortium.
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