Estimation of trailer off-tracking using visual odometry

Authors
de Saxe, Christopher Charles 

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Type
Article
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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.

Publication Date
2019
Online Publication Date
2018-06-18
Acceptance Date
2018-06-08
Keywords
Off-tracking; Trailer steering; Visual odometry; Stereo vision; Articulated vehicles
Journal Title
Vehicle System Dynamics
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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